MANILA, Philippines — A growing number of Filipino celebrities are joining calls for accountability over alleged corruption in government flood-control projects, with several confirming they will march alongside the public in nationwide rallies on Sunday, September 21.
Comedian and TV host Vice Ganda signaled his participation by posting a rally announcement on Instagram Friday.
“Magkita kita tayo sa Luneta sa Linggo. Oras na para wakasan ang kagarapalan ng mga hayop na magnanakaw sa gobyerno (See you at Luneta on Sunday. It’s time to end the blatant corruption of thieves in the government),” the image read.
Actress Anne Curtis, recently recognized as one of the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s top taxpayers, said she would also join the demonstrations.
“Bilang mga taxpayers it allows us to ask an important question: Saan ba talaga napupunta ung taxes natin lahat? It’s time we use our voices to END CORRUPTION in our country para sa mga anak natin at para sa future generation of Filipinos. See you tomorrow!” she wrote on Instagram.
Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid confirmed he would be joining the EDSA rally.
“In fact, on Sunday, I’ll be there at EDSA—maybe with my sister. What’s important is I’ll be there. I’m already 58. This is bigger than anything else. This is about all of us now,” he said in an interview on Friday, which included The Manila Times.
He emphasized that the protest was nonpartisan, saying, “What I’m seeing—no pink, no yellow — that’s true. This is about all of us. There’s no political color here.”
On the issue of corruption, Alcasid admitted feeling deeply frustrated.
“It’s saddening, it’s infuriating, to say the least. But we can’t just be angry. At the very least, let’s show unity,” he said.
He also urged Filipinos to show up despite the inconvenience.
“It’s Sunday anyway. If parking near EDSA is difficult, try Katipunan. Park there, walk to the site, bring an umbrella. Bring masks, too,” he urged.
Television host Bianca Gonzalez-Intal reflected on past protests as she confirmed her attendance.
Sharing a photo from the 2013 Million People March against the pork barrel scam, she wrote, “Over a decade later, this photo remains relevant… And now in 2025, eto na naman tayo.”
” Someone asked me recently, how do I not lose hope? Ang hirap to not feel helpless, when those supposed to defend and protect us, sila pa ang nagpapahirap, nanloloko, nanlilinlang sa taumbayan. But despite everything, I choose to still keep the hope alive. Because what other choice do we have? Filipinos definitely deserve better,” she added.
Other celebrities, including Jericho Rosales, Tuesday Vargas, Iza Calzado Dingdong Dantes, Carla Abellana, Edu Manzano, Nadine Lustre, Jodi Sta. Maria, Sarah Geronimo, Matteo Guidicelli and Piolo Pascual, have previously aired frustrations over alleged misuse of public funds.
Protest organizers have announced multiple early morning assembly points, including Baclaran Church, the Mall of Asia, and Quezon City Hall. Students and activist groups are expected to gather at Rizal Park by 9 a.m. for the “Baha sa Luneta” demonstration, while the “Trillion Peso March” will culminate at the EDSA People Power Monument at 2 p.m. organized by church leaders and civil society.
Rallies are also set to take place in Cebu, Davao, Baguio, Bacolod, Iloilo, Tuguegarao, and other cities.
The coordinated mass actions come amid continuing investigations into alleged anomalies in billion-peso flood-control projects.
