Mothers from Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP)-Marikina led a piñata game on June 3 to show their frustration and anger at the infighting in the Senate aimed to deliberately delay the trial of Sara Duterte and defend the criminal Bato de la Rosa. They also denounced the state’s inaction on rising prices of basic goods and the declining incomes of families.

In Mexican culture, the piñata is a container often shaped like an animal, filled with candies, toys, or other surprises, and is stricken until it breaks to release its contents. It is commonly used in celebrations. In the Philippines, it takes the form of a clay pot filled with candies and coins, which blindfolded children hit during games.

Blindfolded residents took turns striking the pots bearing the images of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, De la Rosa, and Duterte.

“They want to blind us with their shows and drama, but we can strike at their betrayal of the people. We will hold Sara and Bato accountable for their crimes, as well as Senator Alan for protecting and sheltering a criminal,” GWP Marikina secretary general Net Romero explained.

“Hungry citizens cannot just watch the spectacle in the Senate. We must act and hold accountable all those involved in plundering the people’s taxes,” Romero added.

According to the group, Marikina residents have long been victims of flooding, with waters reaching up to the second floor of houses.

“Listen to us ordinary citizens who are victims of the crisis and flooding. We are tired of the drama—we want immediate action on rising prices. We want the big operators in the flood control scam jailed,” Romero said.