Calvary of the poor

The urban poor group Kadamay staged on Holy Monday what it called the calvary of the poor to highlight their daily struggle under the Aquino Administration resulting from, it says, the lack of decent housing, education, basic social services and high cost of utilities.

At least 200 protesters gathered at Plaza Salamanca on Taft Ave. in Manila before noon and marched to the eight “stations,” patterned after the Roman Catholic Church’s “stations of the cross” depicting Jesus Christ carrying the Cross to his crucifixion.

First Station at University of the Philippines Manila. Protesters lit candles to show their solidarity and remember UP Manila student Kristel Tejada who committed suicide.

Second Station at the Supreme Court. Protesters burned a symbolic sign of the Urban Development Housing Act (UDHC) which ,according to the group, is behind the demolition of homes of urban poor communities. A petition to junk anti-poor provisions of UDHA is pending at the High Court.

Third Station at the Department of Justice. Leaders in handcuffs presented the case of 13 urban poor people who are victims of extrajudicial killings under the Aquino administration.

Fourth Station at the US Embassy. Protesters burned a symbolic flag denouncing America’s intervention in Philippine policies.

Fifth Station at the National Parks Development Committee. The recent demolition of vendors’ stalls at Rizal Park was assailed.

Sixth Station at the Department of Labor and Employment.  Protesters denounced contractualization policies and unfair labor practices.

Seventh Station at the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The alleged poor performance of Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman that led typhoon victims to storm the DSWD Davao City office was highlighted.

Final Station at the foot of Mendiola. Protesters held a program and a play depicting the Crucifixion of Christ.