Various Activists Troop To Liwasang Bonifacio To Protest Alleged Election Fraud

Hear from the people determined to see this through to the end.

People from various organizations went to Liwasang Bonifacio in droves. Their primary goal was to protest alleged election fraud. They also wanted to explain why Bongbong Marcos shouldn’t be the next president.

An umbrella organization called Kontra Daya spearheaded the movement. FreebieMNL talked to Melo Cabello, one of those who set up camp at Liwasang Bonifacio. Cabello is the spokesperson of the National Network of Agrarian Reform Advocates-Youth (NNARA-Youth).

READ Today I Stood On The Right Side Of History

Cabello stressed that they want to defend their votes. This is because they believe it’s possible election fraud occurred on May 9. They want to hold the COMELEC accountable. They’re also calling on them to be more transparent in canvassing the results.

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Photo by Aram Lascano

“Tinayo namin ang kampuhan laban sa dayaan. Lumikha kami ng espasyo para malabas ng tao ang hinaing nila sa kapalpakan ng COMELEC. Dapat ang resulta na lalabas ay repleksyon ng boses ng sambayanang Pilipino.”

(“This campout is part of our fight against cheating. We wanted to create a safe space where people can express their anger over COMELEC’s mistakes. The results that they release should reflect the voice of the Filipino people.”)

Election fraud

Cabello remembers noticing “illegal campaigning activities even on Election Day.” Such activities include campaign harassment, election-related violence, and vote-buying.

Cabello also mentioned the failure of 1800 Vote Counting Machines (VCMs). He says this disenfranchised over a million Filipino voters across the country.

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Photo by Aram Lascano

Never forget

Cabello and his group were one in saying that they will never allow another Marcos to return to Malacañang. Especially after Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency.

“Hindi namin malilimutan ang kadiliman at kalupitang dala nila,” Cabello says.

(“We’ll never forget the darkness and cruelty they brought.”)

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Photo by Aram Lascano

This for them is the very reason why they have chosen to stand up for what they believe in. The fight for democracy doesn’t end with voting, as Cabello says.

He encourages other citizens to head to Liwasang Bonifacio and keep a close eye on the COMELEC.

Featured Image Daniella Sison

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