The August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) has condemned Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s repeated use of the “Laban” hand sign, including during the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) gathering along EDSA held two days ago.
According to ATOM, this was not the first time Cayetano used the symbol. The group pointed to a Facebook Live broadcast on June 12 in which the senator compared the experience of his political faction to that of the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. during the period of resistance against the dictatorship while asserting that he remained the Senate president.
In an interview with Brigada NewsFM Manila, ATOM Secretary General Bien Gonzales said the “Laban” sign symbolizes the struggle against dictatorship and the sacrifices made by those who fought for democracy. He said the symbol should not be used in issues unrelated to the historical context of the People Power movement.
Gonzales said there is a significant difference between the causes fought for during the People Power movement and the issues being raised in present-day political gatherings. According to him, those who participated in People Power made sacrifices for the country and democracy rather than for personal interests.
He added that the contributions and sacrifices of those who took part in the movement should be respected and should not be equated with contemporary events that serve different purposes.
ATOM clarified that it respects the right of the Iglesia ni Cristo to hold rallies and public assemblies.
However, the group said the credibility of some personalities who attended the protest remains questionable because they could still face legal cases that should be resolved through the proper judicial process.
The group also called for the fair and impartial enforcement of the law and urged authorities to hold accountable anyone proven to have been involved in corruption, regardless of position or political affiliation.
