As anger grows in the country, the Church joins "Trillion Peso March" against corruption
On Sunday, the 53rd anniversary of the imposition of martial law, thousands of Filipinos are expected to take to the streets in the capital for a peaceful rally against government corruption. Meanwhile, the speaker of the House of Representatives, cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has resigned. For his part, the president is not going to attend the UN General Assembly; meanwhile, anger and indignation on social media are growing.
Manila (AsiaNews) – The Catholic Church in the Philippines has urged faithful and citizens to take part in the "Trillion Peso March," a large-scale peaceful demonstration against corruption scheduled for this Sunday, 21 September, anniversary of the declaration of martial law by Ferdinand Marcos Sr, dictator and father of the current president, 53 years ago.
The main event will be held at the People Power Monument on EDSA, a major highway in Quezon City, a symbol of the country's democratic struggles.
According to the clergymen behind the demonstration, the initiative is an act of faith and civic conscience to demand truth, justice, and accountability from government.
The rally also aims to vent the widespread popular discontent mounting in the Philippines following the opening of an anti-corruption investigation related to government funds earmarked for flood prevention.
According to Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, the investigation could uncover losses amounting to trillions of pesos, a claim that has fuelled popular outrage and given the demonstration its name.
Caritas Philippines President Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan urged Catholics across the country to join the march.
In a pastoral letter, Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos of Antipolo notes that the date is a painful mark om the country's memory.
“On the solemn day of September 21, 2025, we will gather not only in remembrance but in righteous resolve,” the prelate said. “Fifty-three years will have passed since Martial Law was declared – a time that wounded our nation’s soul.”
Like “on that day, our young people will rise again, not in violence, but in truth. They will march not with swords, but with conviction. And I, as your shepherd, will walk with them in spirit and prayer,” the prelate said.
In 1972, Marcos Sr declared martial law, justifying it with "threats from communist and Islamic insurgencies."
Major newspapers and media outlets were shut down, journalists arrested on charges of subversion, and the Philippine Congress abolished.
Human rights organisations reported hundreds of enforced disappearances, thousands of extrajudicial executions, not to mention countless acts of torture and imprisonment during the period of martial law.
Archbishop Ruperto Cruz Santos also spoke out against the scandals related to the management of public funds.
“The billions of pesos stolen from flood control projects are not mere figures; they represent stolen homes, drowned crops, and shattered futures. These are sins against the poor, against the nation, and against God,” he added.
“But to our young people, I say these words with love and urgency: remain peaceful. Let your voices thunder, and your hands stay clean. Do not let anger consume you,” he cautioned.
In addition to the main rally, a second protest is planned at Luneta Park in Manila, led by students and youth movements.
Catholic and Protestant leaders, along with the Church leaders in the National Transformation Council Church and several NGOs, have announced their participation.
Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. of Cubao said: "As Christians, we cannot remain indifferent. Let our voices against corruption be heard.”
The Archdiocese of Manila and Caritas are urging priests, religious, and lay people to join the procession, emphasising the importance of maintaining a peaceful attitude.
“We do not want the Mass, though, to have the tone of protest, as it may alienate other people who only wish to pray in peace,” said Fr Jerome Secillano, the rector of the shrine near EDSA. “Together, let us humbly beg the Lord to guide us in doing noble things for our country, which we deeply love.”
Meanwhile, the national police announced the deployment of more than 50,000 agents in various areas of the capital to ensure security for the demonstrations.
Tensions have been rising in recent days, partly due to the spread of the hashtag #NepoBaby on social media, echoing Nepal's twentysomething, who, fed up with corruption and an aging political class out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people, provoked their government's fall.
For their part, a group of influencers and Internet personalities set up "Creators Against Corruption," a group whose stated aim is to turn social media into a platform for political action.
Over the past few days, anger erupted online following the dissemination of images showing piles of cash on desks at the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Public dissatisfaction had already been growing following the testimony before the Senate of Pacifico and Sarah Discaya, owners of a construction company, who alleged that they were forced to pay bribes of up to 25 per cent to lawmakers to win contracts.
Their statements followed a government audit that found that 545 billion pesos (US$ 9.5 billion) had been spent on nearly 10,000 flood control projects since 2022.
In an effort to stem growing outrage, Martin Romualdez, cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (politics in the Philippines is often a family affair) and speaker of the House of Representatives, resigned yesterday, just two weeks after the Senate president.
Recently, the Office of the President (Malacañang) announced that Marcos would not attend the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York choosing instead to follow the work of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which is conducting an anti-corruption probe.
Meanwhile, the Philippines is seeking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027-28 term.
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