Manila: The laity has asked the Catholic faithful to participate in the second “Trillion Peso March” set later this month to continue to hold accountable those behind the anomalous flood control projects worth billions of pesos.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (LAIKO) has issued a statement urging people to join the November 30 protest, emphasizing the importance of making their voices heard against corruption. LAIKO, an umbrella organization for lay Catholic groups in the Philippines, is established by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

“We invite all faithful citizens to join and cry out for justice, for change, and for true accountability. Let our voices rise above fear and apathy. Let our conscience awaken the nation. Let our faith move us to action,” the group stated.

LAIKO highlighted that the “Trillion Peso March” serves as a peaceful expression of moral outrage and collective hope, providing a platform to demand justice. “The nation cries out for justice… Justice for lives lost. Justice for opportunities wasted. Justice for integrity and love of country betrayed,” LAIKO expressed.

As a part of the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation, LAIKO affirmed its commitment to seeking justice and accountability, particularly in light of the controversy involving billions of pesos meant to protect communities from floods but allegedly misappropriated by politicians and contractors.

“These ghost projects – unfinished, substandard, or entirely non-existent – represent not only stolen funds but stolen futures. They cry out to heaven for justice,” the group added.

LAIKO underscored the necessity for all public officials involved in these anomalous dealings to be held accountable. “No one is above the law. Justice demands that the corrupt be exposed, investigated, and prosecuted without fear or favor,” LAIKO stated.