500 children joined the Children Speak Out Against Corruption! today at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani to commemorate the 1986 People Power revolution and to show their disgust over the tremendous corruption in the Arroyo Government.

The children from grass root communities, together with the child rights advocates of about 20 child-focused Non Government Organizations participated in the event. They held games for the children while conveying lessons on corruptions and state violence against children.

SALINLAHI Foundation for Children’s Concerns, as the lead convenor, called out for unity among different NGOs and Institutions to make the alliance possible. Its OIC and also the alliance’s Spokesperson, Alphonse Rivera said, “There is fire on the child care worker’s heart. It wants to scream out loud against Corruption and Tyranny of the present regime.”

Rivera also added, “The children are the no. 1 victims of corruption. These thieves are leaving them hungry, ignorant and with no bright future ahead of them. The State, as opposed to its responsibility to care for the younger generation, is the perpetrator on crimes against the children’s right to survival, protection and development.

The alliance, named as Children ACT Now! (Children Against Corruption and Tyranny Now!), is one in its voice that the People Power that happened during the 1986 EDSA Revolution has left no change in the Filipino child’s life. “The corruption and state violence that happened 22 years ago again exists in the present government. People Power will again prevail to topple down a government of cheaters, thieves and liars and the children are playing an important role in this revolution to create a just and better society for them,” Rivera explained.

The children enjoyed games like Rope Obstacles, Patintero and others while condemning corruption and the anomalous projects of the current government like the Cyber Ed Project, Fertilizer Fund Scam and the hottest issue—the ZTE NBN deal. They learned from the facilitators that corruption is stealing and it is a crime which is a not a good example for the children.

The children and the child care workers’ voices are one in execrating Gloria Arroyo’s government who does not genuinely care for the children and their future.###