Unity statement against corruption

We, concerned citizens, civil society organizations, business groups, and individuals of goodwill, guided by our respective beliefs and by our love for the Philippines, denounce the pork barrel system which is at the heart of the present corrupt political system.

In the pork barrel system, lump sum amounts are placed at the discretion of only one person; which allows him/her to use public funds for patronage politics, political dynasties and personal gain.

We are united in condemning this corruption!

As the sovereign people, we, the real bosses are united in ordering our public servants the following:

1. Immediate resignation of public servants who are formally charged by the Department of Justice;

2. Punishment of convicted pork barrel schemers and the return of their loot to the coffers of the people;

3. Abolition of the pork barrel system by whatever name or form. We include the pork barrel of all three branches of government, namely, the executive, legislative, judiciary; and their ancillary departments;

4. Respect for and protection of the people's sovereign right to reclaim management of public funds for the benefit of the common good, such as social services. This is one way of eliminating patronage politics;

5. Providing the people with all the information they need in the interest of transparency, accountability, participation, and co-responsibility.

To turn these demands into a workable reality, civil society organizations, business groups, the academe, the different religions, non-believers, credible representatives from the government, and individuals of goodwill with relevant competence, will come together to thresh out the concrete details of this unity statement.

Likewise, we express our contrition for "we are not just victims of a corrupt system. We have all, in one way or another, contributed to this worsening social cancer-through our indifferent silence or through our cooperation when we were benefiting from the sweet cake of graft and corruption."

We, the people, honor the God of our understanding and one another. We re-confirm our pledge to our country. We honor and respect our laws, regulations and ordinances; and public servants who serve the common good.

Signed

Cebu Coalition against the Pork Barrel System