“Unlike the traditional fiesta, where hospitality, generosity, and goodwill are encouraged among the whole community, Aquino’s banquet is depicted [in the effigy] as a lavishly sumptuous feast for a small circle of guests as the people wait for crumbs falling from the table.”
“I think it is horrible to see the priorities of this government, prioritizing the wealthy over the poor.”
Five peasant activists were arrested, a priest and a bishop of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente were put under surveillance.
“The landlessness of peasants, the lack of decent wages and job opportunities, decent housing and basic social services are weighing down on the lives of the Filipino people and violate their socio-economic rights. Those who resist and work for change are met with political repression by the State. We want the peace negotiations resumed to help resolve such issues.” – International Conference for Human Rights and Peace in the Philippines
It is the same anywhere in the Asia Pacific region, either indigenous people’s issues are ignored or distorted by the media.