By CESAR JOLITO III
Catholic leaders and civic groups across Negros Occidental are set to gather in Bacolod City on Saturday, October 11, for a massive prayer rally that doubles as a protest against what they describe as widespread corruption in government infrastructure projects.
Dubbed the “Grand Holy Rosary Rally Against Corruption,” the province-wide event will be led by Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon, SDB, coinciding with the Catholic Church’s Month of the Holy Rosary in October.
Organizers said this year’s observance takes on a “different and urgent tone” following revelations of alleged ghost flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways, which have stirred public outrage across Negros Occidental.
At a press conference on Thursday, October 9, Buzon said the gathering seeks to combine “the power of prayer with a call for accountability.”
“We aim to make good governance happen and hold our national leaders responsible through the power of the Holy Rosary against all the powers of evil,” the prelate said.
The unprecedented move marks one of the rare occasions Buzon will personally lead a protest action, signaling the Church’s growing concern over corruption in public infrastructure spending.
The Grand Holy Rosary Rally is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m., culminating in a Mass and candlelight vigil at the Bacolod City Public Plaza.
Province-wide participation
Thousands of participants from 13 towns and cities across the province are expected to join, including delegations from Hinigaran, Pontevedra, San Enrique, Valladolid, Pulupandan, Bago, La Carlota, E.B. Magalona, Silay, Victorias, Talisay, Murcia, and Bacolod.
According to Fr. Anecito “Mao” Buenafe, parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and one of the convenors, the rally will feature three separate processions converging at the San Sebastian Cathedral fronting the Bacolod Public Plaza.
* Southern groups will assemble at Lupit Church
* Northern groups at the Redemptorist Church on Capitol Shopping Road
* Central contingents in front of STI West Negros University
“This Holy Rosary rally is a continuation of our ‘Trillion-Peso March’ last month,” Buenafe said.
“We must sustain the momentum of our call for justice and accountability against corruption that has already affected millions of Filipinos.”
Former Negros Occidental Governor Rafael Coscolluela, who also serves as a 1Sambayan convenor, urged the Paghimud-os Negros Incorporated coalition and other civil society groups to take part in the demonstration.
“This will be another potent avenue to express both anger and prayer — a reminder to legislators and national leaders that people are ‘akig na’ over corruption,” Coscolluela said.
‘We will never rest until truth is unearthed’
Buenafe, who also convenes the Council of Concerned Citizens (C3), said the rally reflects the growing frustration of ordinary Filipinos toward unaddressed corruption issues, particularly in the ongoing investigation into billions worth of flood control projects in Bacolod and nearby towns.
He noted that despite political distractions and “attempts to derail reform movements,” the coalition remains firm in its mission.
“Whatever happens, the will of the people shall prevail,” Buenafe said.
“C3 is banking on this will to unearth the truth behind these questionable projects. We will never rest until we fulfill that mission,” he added./CJ, WDJ