Thousands of people are expected to join the 'Trillion Peso March' mass protest amid a groundswell of anger in the Philippines against perceived corruption in government-funded flood control projects. (Photo from Coverstory.ph)
By Tracy Cabrera
DILIMAN, Quezon City — In spite of the expected onslaught of typhoon Nando (international name Ragasa), which remains a tropical storm but looks set to reach super typhoon status, organizing group Tindig Pilipinas is expecting at least 40,000 individuals to participate in the ‘Trillion Peso March’ to be held simultaneously at the EDSA People Power Monument and Quirino Grandstand at the Luneta Park in Manila.
According to Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor Francis Joseph ‘Kiko’ Aquino-Dee, the anti-corruption protests will push through ‘rain or shine’ even as they have already coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other government agencies to ensure the demonstrations will be peaceful and orderly in anticipation that a big portion of the participants are first-time rally goers.
Aquino-Dee enthused that the protest holds symbolic historical significance as it coincides with the anniversary of the same day in 1972 when President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (PBBM)’s father—then-president Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr.—imposed martial law.
The grandson of the late senator Benigno’ Ninoy’Aquino Jr. and former president Corazon ‘Cory’ Aquino, however, clarified that the activity is not intended to call for the impeachment or resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but to call for accountability over the widespread corruption in the government amid the flood control scam issue.
Speculations have swirled about the possible calls for Marcos Jr.’s impeachment, but the Trillion Peso March co-convenor emphasized that the Tindig Coalition’s immediate concern was to exact accountability on those who had benefited from the multibillion-peso flood control racket.
“We haven’t agreed on calls for impeachment. The priority is that no politician or administration should escape investigation into the flood control anomalies,” he asserted.
In agreement, civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio ‘Ka Pep’ Goitia voiced out his full and unwavering support for President Marcos Jr.’s intensified campaign against corruption, emphasizing that this is not merely a political agenda but a moral and national duty.
The chairman emeritus of the Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement cited that “the call of President Marcos to end corruption is not just about punishing wrongdoers but rather concerns the restoration of the dignity of our people and ensuring that every peso of public funds serves the Filipino nation.”
“This (goal) takes on even greater significance as the September Twenty-One People’s Movement Against Corruption prepares to hold an anti-corruption peace rally that will march along Morayta and proceed towards Mendiola—a historic route of people’s struggles and victories,” he pointed out.
Organizers emphasize that the rally aims to support PBBM’s leadership in combating corruption and to hold accountable all those responsible for failed and ‘ghost’ flood control projects that have wasted public funds and betrayed public trust.
“Flood control projects that exist only on paper, padded contracts, and politicians enriching themselves at the expense of the people are unacceptable. The people have had enough. This movement shows that Filipinos are united in saying: tama na, sobra na, laban na!” Goitia stressed.
He underscored that President Marcos Jr.’s leadership is crucial in dismantling systemic corruption, which has for decades hindered national progress.
“We stand with PBBM because this fight is for every Filipino worker, farmer, and fisherman whose sweat builds this nation. Supporting the President means supporting a future where our children will grow up in a country where leaders are accountable and resources are not stolen but invested in development,” he said.
In closing, Chairman Goitia called on all Filipinos to join this movement of hope and action, emphasizing that “the September 21 rally is more than an event but a declaration of solidarity that tells the corrupt have no place in government and in society.
“Wala na kayong puwang sa bagong Pilipinas. We will no longer allow betrayal of public trust. Together with PBBM, we will reclaim our institutions and rebuild the people’s faith in government,” he concluded.
