Last September 21, a powerful message echoed from the streets of San Pablo City and beyond: "Ibalik ang pera ng bayan sa bayan." Among those who carried this call with conviction was Councilor Barbie Diaz, who stood shoulder to shoulder with fellow citizens at the Trillion Rally — a growing movement demanding accountability, transparency, and justice in the use of public funds.
Councilor Diaz's presence at the rally was more than ceremonial. It was a bold declaration that public officials must not only listen but also act — with integrity and courage. Her message was simple, yet urgent: when government money — the people's money — is misused, it is the public who suffers. And when corruption thrives, so does poverty.
Her support for the mantra “Kung walang kurap, walang mahirap” is not new, but in the current political climate, it feels newly urgent. With billions — even trillions — of pesos in public funds disappearing into bureaucratic black holes or questionable deals, voices like Diaz's are not only welcome; they are necessary.
But let’s be clear: one rally and one speech won’t fix decades of systemic corruption. What makes Councilor Diaz’s involvement significant is that she sees her participation not just as symbolic, but as a "concrete stand" — a commitment to pushing for reforms from within the system.