On Sunday, September 21, Filipinos once again filled the streets—this time not to celebrate, but to demand answers. Their voices rose against what they called one of the biggest betrayals of public trust: the theft and mismanagement of trillions of pesos in flood control projects that, for years, failed to protect communities from deadly floods.
Two Rallies, One Cry for Justice
In Manila, thousands gathered for the “Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon Laban sa Korapsyon” rally. From Rizal Park, they marched to Mendiola, a symbolic route that brought them closer to Malacañang.
At the same time, in Quezon City, crowds swelled at the EDSA Shrine for the “Trillion Peso March.” Protesters later moved to the People Power Monument, echoing the spirit of past struggles for freedom and accountability.
Violence and Sacrifice in the Streets
The rally at EDSA remained peaceful. But at Mendiola, the atmosphere turned tense. Masked youths in black hurled stones—and even Molotov cocktails—at police in full riot gear. Among those injured were journalist Manny Vargas of Super Radyo dzBB and Renato Reyes, president of BAYAN.
And then came the rain. Heavy downpours drenched the crowds, yet not one step was lost. Umbrellas went up, raincoats came out, and many chose to stand bare under the storm—a powerful picture of a people refusing to be silenced.
Anger Fueled by Broken Promises
The protests were fueled by recent revelations: flood control projects riddled with corruption, incomplete structures, and billions lost to questionable deals involving DPWH officials, contractors, and lawmakers. Investigations are ongoing, but the people’s anger is already boiling over.
More Than a Protest—A Plea
For many who marched, September 21 was more than just a protest date. It was a plea—for accountability, for justice, and for a government that will finally put people over politics.
