The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)-Manila called Manila City mayor Isko Moreno a liar after he condemned the protest launched in front of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The mayor claimed that he was only “protecting the peace” in the city.

According to the group, what Moreno truly protects are the interests of large corporations such as San Miguel Corporation and R-II Builders Inc., his partners and financiers in the previous election, while thousands of residents are being harassed and evicted from their homes in Parola, GK, Hapilan, Aroma, Katuparan, and Smokey Mountain to give way to these corporations’ projects.

In addition, Moreno also allowed other companies to seize residential land from communities such as Jose Abad Santos and Mayhaligue.

“He uses the word ‘peace’ to avoid being held accountable before the people. He fears the snowballing exposures that the entire government system is the bourgeoisie’s huge business,” Bayan-Manila explained.

“Why should the people not protest if the government steals the money they toil for every day? If their houses are being demolished? If they are buried daily deeper in poverty because of the greed of a few?” the group insisted.

They said peace will only be genuine when the people attain their rights. Being critical of social issues is not a crime, much less taking action and protesting for the nation’s welfare.

“Only the oppressors and exploiters benefit from silence, so we must strengthen our call for justice and accountability! Join the actions and assert our space in society!” the group urged.