On September 21, the streets of Manila roared with anger and hope. More than 100,000 Filipinos flooded Luneta Park and the historic EDSA People Power Monument, demanding justice in one of the country’s largest anti-corruption rallies in years.
The protests came as investigations continue into the alleged misuse of billions of pesos intended for flood control projects—money the public says was stolen, leaving communities vulnerable to disaster.
Two Fronts, One Cry for Justice
At Luneta, an estimated 50,000 marchers joined the “Baha sa Luneta, Aksyon sa Korapsyon” protest organized by progressive groups. Another 70,000 people filled EDSA and White Plains Avenue for the so-called “Trillion-Peso March.”
Even beyond Manila, people gathered in Cebu, Bacolod, and Iloilo, all united in one message: end corruption now.
“Tama Na, Sobra Na!”
The rallies were emotional. Ordinary citizens, students, workers, and even celebrities raised their voices.
“Tama na, sobra na ang pandarambong sa bayan,” cried David San Juan of the Tama Na Coalition.
(Enough with the plunder of our nation’s coffers.)
Bayan president Renato Reyes felt the weight of public anger.
“Ang iba ho ngayon, malalim ‘yung galit ng tao,” he said.
(The difference now is the depth of the people’s anger.)
Leody De Guzman of the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino was more direct:
“Kailangang ipakulong ang lahat ng sangkot sa corruption.”
(All those involved in corruption must be jailed.)
Faces in the Crowd
The Luneta rally drew politicians like Rep. Leila De Lima, Rep. Sarah Elago, and Rep. Renee Co.
On EDSA, Senators Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, and Kiko Pangilinan joined the march alongside actor Elijah Canlas and even pop icons like Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Donny Pangilinan, Darren Espanto, and Cristine Reyes.
Rain poured, but it didn’t stop the marchers. From EDSA Shrine, they walked all the way to the People Power Monument, their chants cutting through the downpour.
Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. of Cubao led a Holy Mass, reminding everyone of the moral weight behind the fight against corruption.
A Peaceful Protest—with One Exception
For the most part, the rallies were peaceful and orderly. But at Mendiola, tension boiled over. At least 40 people were injured—39 of them policemen—when masked protesters threw rocks and burned tires.
Police said several minors were involved but were “rescued, not arrested.” Meanwhile, 17 others were taken into custody.
“We Overperformed”
Kiko Aquino Dee, spokesperson of the “Trillion-Peso March,” said the turnout exceeded expectations.
“I think we overperformed. Naihayag natin ang ating galit. Walang sinasanto—Duterte man yan, Marcos, o sino pa,” he said.
(We made our anger clear. No one is spared—whether Duterte, Marcos, or anyone else.)
The rallies ended peacefully around 6 p.m., leaving behind a powerful reminder of the people’s will.
“Nirenew natin ang commitment sa ating 1987 Constitution,” Dee added.
(We renewed our commitment to the 1987 Constitution.)
The People Have Spoken
September 21, once remembered for martial law, is now remembered for another reason: the day Filipinos stood together to demand accountability.
Their voices were loud. Their message was clear:
“Jail the corrupt. Enough is enough.”
