Marcos regime swift to harass protesters, useless in investigating corruption; Release impounded vehicles now

Marcos regime swift to harass protesters, useless in investigating corruption; Release impounded vehicles now

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan condemns the harassment of transport workers through the impoundment of at least 20 vehicles used during the November 30, 2025, mass mobilization against corruption. This vindictive act exposes the twisted priorities of the Marcos Jr. administration—ang sisipag manghuli ng raliyista pero inutil sa pag-imbestiga sa mga kaso ng korapsyon sa gobyerno.

While the government moves with lightning speed to penalize protesters exercising their constitutional rights, it is unwilling to investigate the massive corruption scandals plaguing the administration—from confidential fund anomalies to infrastructure scams. The regime’s selective enforcement of the law reveals its true nature: a government that protects the corrupt elite while persecuting the poor and oppressed.

“The contrast could not be starker. Authorities are quick to impound the vehicles of struggling transport workers but turn a blind eye to the billions stolen by those in power. This is not governance—this is state repression in service of the ruling class,” declared BAYAN.

Wala na nga makain ang mga drayber na ito dulot ng sunod-sunod na pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin at gasolina, at pawang pagda-drive lang ang kinabubuhay. These drivers are barely surviving amid skyrocketing prices of basic goods and fuel. Their vehicles are their only means of livelihood—the sole source of income to feed their families and pay their bills. By impounding these vehicles, the government is not just punishing protesters; it is starving families and pushing workers deeper into poverty.

Instead of providing relief and genuine support, the Marcos Jr. administration adds insult to injury by criminalizing their legitimate protests and seizing their vehicles. This is the administration’s answer to the people’s cry for help—repression, harassment, and economic strangulation.

The impoundment of vehicles is not about enforcing traffic regulations or maintaining order—it is about instilling fear and punishing those who dare to challenge anti-people policies. It is about sending a message that the right to protest comes with severe consequences.

BAYAN calls on all fellow Filipinos to stand in solidarity with PISTON and the transport workers. Samahan natin sila sa pagkilos ngayong Biyernes, Disyembre 5, 2pm sa tapat ng LTO Main Office. Let us join them in demanding the immediate release of the impounded vehicles and an end to the harassment of protesters.

We demand:
The immediate and unconditional release of all impounded vehicles
The dropping of all charges against transport workers and protesters who participated in the November 30 mobilization
An end to the selective and vindictive enforcement of laws against protesters while corruption in high places goes unpunished
The scrapping of the anti-poor PUVMP and the implementation of genuine pro-people transport policies
Accountability for the corruption scandals in the Marcos Jr administration
Karapatan ng mamamayan ang magprotesta. Hindi krimen ang ipaglaban ang kabuhayan at dignidad.

The harassment of transport workers is an attack on all working people and on our fundamental democratic rights. If we allow this injustice to stand, we embolden the regime to intensify its repression against all sectors fighting for their rights and welfare.

The Marcos Jr. administration must be held accountable not only for its corruption and misgovernance but also for its systematic assault on civil liberties and democratic space. The people will not be silenced by intimidation and economic blackmail.

Ibalik ang mga impounded na sasakyan! Itigil ang pang-haharass sa mga raliyista! Marcos, magbitiw na!