FILIPINOS continue the fight against corruption and injustices on Sunday, September 21, as they mark the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law in the country.
Thousands have joined two major rallies in Metro Manila—”Baha sa Luneta” at the Luneta Park in Manila and “Trillion Peso March” at the People Power Monument in Quezon City—to demand transparency and accountability over the alleged massive corruption in the government-funded flood control projects. These projects, found to be substandard or “ghost,” are now being investigated by both houses of Congress and the newly-formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
As of 10:45 a.m., the Manila Public Information Office (PIO) reported that an estimated 49,000 individuals have flocked to Luneta Park to join the anti-corruption rally.
Meanwhile, various religious and civic groups marched to the People Power Monument, shouting: “Buwis namin, huwag nakawin!”
Some well-known personalities, including Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno, actor Elijah Canlas, and actress Maris Racal, were spotted at the demonstrations.
Diokno urged Filipinos to join the anti-corruption protests, which will help amplify the public’s call for accountability amid the flood control controversy.
“Walang pananagutan kung walang madadala sa kulungan. Kaya dapat hanggang sa kaduluhan, magkaroon ng accountability,” the lawmaker said.
Meanwhile, Canlas described those involved in the alleged flood-control corruption, including several government officials and contractors, as “best actors” and demanded they return taxpayers’ money.
“Lahat tayo kumakayod, nagta-trabaho ng disente, halos magbuwis-buhay para makapagbayad lang ng buwis. Tapos lahat ng pinaghihirapan natin, anong nangyayari? Binubulsa lang,” he said.
The Gen Z actor also called out “nepo babies” or children of these corrupt officials and contractors who flaunted their luxurious lifestyles on social media, including their frequent travels abroad and designer goods.
“Samantalang ang karaniwang Pinoy anong nangyayari? Naiiwang nagdurusa sa baha at kawalan ng hanap-buhay,” Canlas stressed.
A photo of Racal shared by Altermidya showed the “Sunshine” star holding a banner that read: “Lahat ng korap, dapat managot!”
Aside from the street demonstrations, many netizens continue to slam the alleged corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) flood control projects, making hashtags “Baha sa Luneta,” “Trillion Peso March,” “Kurakot Managot” and “Ibalik ang Kaban ng Bayan” trend on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
Assistance, security
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has deployed 300 personnel from the Department of Public Services (DPS), Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO), and Manila Health Department (MHD) to 14 protest sites across the capital to assist those who joined the mass demonstrations.
These city government workers are tasked to provide medical aid, water, sanitation, and traffic management support for the protests.
The Quezon City Police District has already deployed its officers since 4 a.m. today for the prayer and indignation rally at the EDSA Shrine and the People Power Monument.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier said it would deploy over 50,000 police personnel nationwide, with close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government agencies to ensure “swift response and unified security operations.” The police force, particularly those in Metro Manila, has been on full alert status since Saturday.
As of writing, the police have not monitored any serious threats in connection with the ongoing anti-corruption demonstrations.
