MANILA, Philippines — Former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez urged the public to join the indignation march on Monday against the government in time for the National Heroes’ Day.
“Ngayon[g] araw, ika-26 ng Agosto, 2024, sa ganap na ika-4:00 p.m., sumama, maki-isa, at iparinig ang tinig sa martsa mula Plaza Miranda patungo sa Liwasang Bonifacio,” Rodriguez said in a Facebook post.
The indignation march is organized by “Maisug Pilipinas,” a group of supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Rodriguez, who was a former ally of the Marcos government, was seen joining the Maisug event in January but said in an exclusive interview with the Orion Post in July that he is “pro-Filipino” and is not affiliated with the Dutertes after leaving the Marcos cabinet.
Although no specific issues were disclosed for discussion during the indignation march, the Maisug poster highlights messages like “Protect the People,” “Marcos Resign,” and “#NasaanAngPangulo,” hashtags that trend whenever the public questions the president’s actions and holds him accountable during national crises.
Rodriguez recently launched his book, “The Kingmaker,” authored by veteran newsman Gerry Lirio, which chronicles his time in Malacañang, from the restoration of the Marcoses to his resignation just months later. In the book, he shares his “truth” about the formation of the government and the issues that strained his relationship with the administration, ultimately leading to his departure.
Prior to the announcement, Rodriguez released a statement questioning the government for its inaction on several issues.
“[Nilulustay ang] kaban ng bayan, pulis ay gamit sa karahasan, yinuyurakan karapatan ng mamamayan at ang bansa’y dinala na rin sa binggit ng digmaaan, subalit tahimik pa rin ang karamihan,” Rodriguez said.
“Kilos na bayan, kailangan na kayo ng ating Inang Bayan na salat sa pamunuan na may pagkalinga at pananagutan,” he said.
He didn’t mention any names, but the statement came on the same day police swarmed the Kingdom of Jesus Christ in Davao, a Philippine-based Nontrinitarian Restorationist church founded by televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, who claims to be the “Appointed Son of God.”
Quiboloy is currently a fugitive wanted for sexual abuse and human trafficking.
