MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Sunday called on Filipinos to take part in the nationwide “Trillion Peso March” protests on September 21, urging citizens to demand justice and accountability over the alleged multi-billion peso corruption in government flood control projects.
In a radio interview, Pangilinan said mass participation in peaceful assemblies is crucial to uncovering the full extent of the controversy, warning against what he described as a “sanitized version of the truth.”
“The best safeguard for any abuses is a people who are united, mobilized, organized, fighting, speaking up, and being vocal,” he said. “I encourage our kababayan to participate in these peaceful assemblies. I encourage them to speak out.”
The senator acknowledged the public’s frustration but asked Filipinos not to lose hope.
“Many of our countrymen have no voice, no power, are oppressed, and are in need of a voice,” Pangilinan said. “Be the voice to those who are voiceless, be brave to those who are afraid, and be strong for those who are weak. I’m sure we will overcome this.”
Pangilinan, a former student activist and long-time advocate of transparency and social justice, is set to attend mass at the Edsa Shrine on Sunday before joining protest actions.
The Trillion Peso March, organized to denounce corruption in flood control projects, will be held simultaneously at the Rizal Shrine in Luneta and the Edsa People Power Monument, alongside other assemblies across the country.
