Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) Secretary General Renato Reyes thanked the ‘trolls’ who made the retroactive video about his years protesting under different administrations, entitled “Through the Years,” adding that it was made in time for his 25th year in mass movement.
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“Salamat sa mga trolls na gumawa ng Renato Reyes Retrospective (Through the Years). Na-touch naman ako sa inyo hahaha. Timing din kasi 25th year ko na sa mass movement,” Reyes said.
“I started when I was 16 while I was a freshman in UP. It’s been an eventful and difficult journey and I would not have it any other way,” he added.
Reyes said that this is their chosen path and they do not get paid to protest, challenging those who accused him otherwise to “show some proof” of the money he allegedly received.
“This is the life we have chosen. We don’t get paid for our work. Anyone who says otherwise, who claims that I have “boatloads of money” should show some proof. Isang taon nang butas at tumutulo ang bubong namin. Inaanay din ang mga dingding. So let me know once you find this treasure trove you’re all so fascinated with,” he said.
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Reyes also sought to correct bashers who said, “Rally is life,” and explained that activism is so much more than just protesting.
“Sabi ng mga trolls, “Rally is life”. Dyos ko, hindi po! Ang tama ay, “Activism is life”. It is the only life we know. And we are proud of it. We don’t just organize rallies. We educate, study, write articles, produce art, build organizations, do relief work, talk to lawmakers, do legal work, help political prisoners, undertake international solidarity work and many more tasks that don’t get covered in the evening news,” he added.
Citing some of the prominent activists in the Philippines, Reyes hoped to serve the Filipinos for as long as they have.
“I would only be so fortunate to serve the people as long as Satur Ocampo, Carol P Araullo Joma Sison Fidel Agcaoili Judy Taguiwalo and many more. Yun ang life goals,” he said.
“So until the next big rally, when the trolls take to social media to spread hate and fake news, we’ll just keep doing what we do. Serve the people.”
Reyes had indeed figured in several fake articles before. There were false stories about BAYAN receiving some of the revolutionary taxes, Reyes being almost caught playing illegal video karera, and Reyes daring Duterte to give him an executive job.
Here is the video that Reyes had reacted to:
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