Sectors warn against forces hijacking anti-corruption anger

As thousands of Iglesia ni Cristo members and Duterte loyalists took to the streets over the weekend, a coalition of church, business and civic leaders warned that "selfish interests" are exploiting public anger over corruption to advance political agendas while shielding those truly responsible for plunder.

- 

In a joint statement shared over the weekend, the Roundtable for Inclusive Development — a group that includes Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, former Senate president Franklin Drilon, former Cabinet secretaries, and senior business leaders-called for a range of policies systemic reforms to prevent the further "wanton... plunder of the nation's coffers," while cautioning against efforts to weaponize people's anti-corruption sentiment.

"Selfish interests continue to tap into heightened public anger to advance political agendas that have little regard for the plight of families and communities, especially those hit by the recent spate of natural calamities, some made worse by man-made risks and government inaction," the group said.