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Protesters call on Benigno Aquino's government to abolish 'pork barrel' funds used for legislators' pet projects
Tens of thousands of Filipinos angry at official corruption have marched through the centre of Manila and other cities to demand the abolition of a misused fund for legislators' pet projects, the biggest protest aimed at Benigno Aquino's government.
Protesters, responding to a call to wear white, converged on Manila's largest park on Monday, angry at the misuse of "pork barrel" funds under the priority development assistance fund (PDAF).
The money is frequently channelled to projects solely to impress voters, though many have turned out to be non-existent.
Aquino came to office in 2010 on a good governance and anti-corruption platform and consistently enjoys popularity ratings of more than 70%.
Aquino said on Friday the government would plug leaks in the fund, an announcement appeared timed to pre-empt Monday's march, and a presidential spokesman said the protesters and government wanted the same thing.
"The message is clear – we are on the same side. We are against corruption," the spokesman, Edwin Lacierda, told reporters.
But church and civic groups, health workers and students ignored Aquino's promise to overhaul the PDAF and called for its abolition.
"Just transfer the funds to department agencies delivering services," said Jun Bernandino, one of the protesters. "They are lawmakers, not service providers. Give the agencies enough budget to deliver the services the people need."
Police said about 60,000 protesters thronged Luneta park, some wearing pig masks. Others carried banners saying "Scrap pork barrel" and "No to pork".
Organisers had hoped for a million to join the protest, which – despite its scale – is not expected to hurt Aquino's popularity.
Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, the charismatic archbishop of Manila whom many thought a strong candidate to become pope during this year's Vatican conclave, joined the protest, saying it was time for the government to show greatness.
About 1,500 police were deployed, but no incidents were reported.
Civic groups called for the protest after a state audit showed some lawmakers had funnelled 10bn pesos (£145m) in total to non-existent projects and groups under the previous government of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who has since been charged with plunder and electoral fraud.
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