MANILA, Philippines — A commotion broke out late Sunday afternoon at the Trillion Peso Protest rally near the People Power Monument in Quezon City, as a crowd began booing former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson as he made his way toward White Plains Avenue.
As the main program continued on the corner of Edsa and White Plains, where a stage had been set up, rallyists suddenly diverted their attention to the other side of the road. The crowd grew in number and volume, chanting and booing as police officers rushed to de-escalate the tension.
Singson, who was on foot and returning to his residence in Corinthian Gardens, was quickly escorted by his bodyguards back inside the subdivision. A bulletproof vehicle was seen waiting just inside the village.
The Manila Times spoke to one visibly upset protester, who said, “He has no business being in a rally against corruption,” referencing Singson’s long history in politics and previous allegations of graft.
The incident underscored the deep frustration among Filipinos over recent revelations involving billions of pesos in alleged irregularities tied to flood control projects, and broader calls for government accountability. Though Singson has publicly condemned corruption in recent days—including calling out questionable contractors in Ilocos Norte—his past continues to cast a long shadow.
Singson was previously embroiled in graft charges over the alleged misuse of tobacco excise tax funds during his time as Ilocos Sur governor, though he was later acquitted due to delays in the Ombudsman’s investigation. He also played a controversial role in the downfall of former President Joseph Estrada in 2001, when he accused the latter of profiting from illegal gambling operations.
The Trillion Peso Protest, joined by citizens across sectors, was held to demand transparency, justice, and reform amid mounting allegations of massive corruption in public works programs. By sunset, the program at the People Power Monument had concluded peacefully.
