EDSA SHRINE, Metro Manila – In a powerful and symbolic move, former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson has deployed two of his mobile kitchens to the EDSA Shrine, providing hot arroz caldo to participants of the “Trillion Peso March” against corruption.
This action, however, comes with a critical distinction from Singson himself: his support is for accountability, not for the destabilization of the current administration.
While the presence of his mobile kitchens at a protest site is a strong endorsement, it must be viewed in the context of Singson’s recent statements. In a press conference, he urged the public to avoid rallies to prevent potential trouble. Instead, he called upon the youth to lead a “peaceful revolution” against corruption, emphasizing that meaningful change must be driven by the younger generation with an eye toward systemic reform, not political upheaval.
By providing nourishment to the rallyists at the EDSA Shrine, Singson is offering tangible support to a peaceful movement. The act of sharing a simple meal like arroz caldo becomes a visible sign of solidarity, aligning him with the cause without participating in any confrontational or anti-government rhetoric. This approach is consistent with his broader message that the focus of the protests should be on a single issue: bringing to justice those responsible for alleged anomalies in government flood control projects.
The “Trillion Peso March” is a response to widespread public frustration over reports of corruption in government infrastructure projects. It is a “revolt of the soul,” as described by some organizers, that seeks to hold officials accountable for the misuse of public funds. Singson’s support for this movement is rooted in his own accusations against contractors and officials involved in questionable projects, particularly in his home province. He has called for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to begin its probe there, highlighting his focus on specific, verifiable instances of corruption rather than a broad political agenda.
The deployment of his mobile kitchens at a historically significant site like the EDSA Shrine is a strategic decision. It allows Singson to be a part of the moment and lend his resources to the cause, all while maintaining his position that the protest is a call for good governance and not an attempt to overthrow the government.
His actions demonstrate a nuanced political stance: he stands with the people in their fight against corruption, but he is careful to not align himself with any group that might seek to use the protests for other political ends.
