On the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law, thousands are expected to gather in two major protest sites — Luneta Park in Manila and the People Power Monument in Quezon City — to denounce alleged large-scale corruption in the country’s flood control projects worth ₱1.9 trillion, as shared in this Rappler report.
Two rallies, organized by different sectors, will take place this Sunday, September 21.
At 9:00 AM, university students, activists, and environmental groups will gather in Luneta Park for an event called “Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon na Laban sa Korapsyon,” also referred to in social media as the “Bilyon People March.”
By 2:00 PM, another mass gathering dubbed the “Trillion Peso March” will unfold at the People Power Monument, led by a broad coalition of Catholic and Protestant leaders together with over 200 civil society groups.
A Protest Marked by Symbolism
The protests fall on a day heavy with history.
September 21 commemorates the declaration of Martial Law by Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and the rally at EDSA draws on the legacy of the 1986 People Power Revolution that ousted his regime.
Organizers say the events are not aimed at unseating any administration — not even President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son of the late dictator — but are instead focused on demanding accountability and systemic reform.
The Heart of the Protests: Corruption in Flood Projects
At the core of both protests are allegations of corruption in infrastructure projects meant to prevent flooding — projects that have cost taxpayers nearly ₱2 trillion over 15 years, yet have failed to solve recurring floods nationwide.
“This is not just about money. It’s about lives lost, homes destroyed, and futures drowned,” said Bishop Roberto Gaa of Novaliches.
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Caritas Philippines stressed, “The poor are always the first to drown — not just in water, but in the consequences of greed.”
Evangelical leader Bishop Efraim Tendero urged all Filipinos to join: “This is not about one scandal. This is about reclaiming our future from impunity.”
Two Fronts, One Message
At Luneta, students from schools along Taft Avenue, together with environmental groups like Panatang Luntian, will call out corruption and nepotism.
“We call on fellow young people and our elders to flood Luneta with rage and courage,” said Dexter Clemente, UP student regent.
“We are neither pro-Duterte nor pro-Marcos,” added youth leader Niña Fegi. “We are pro-planet, pro-people.”
At EDSA, those expected to march include groups like Tindig Pilipinas, Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, Alyansa Tigil Mina, and various Catholic school associations.
Participants are encouraged to wear white, symbolizing unity and hope.
Call to Action
Organizers of both events invite everyone — regardless of political leanings — to bring umbrellas, food, water, and most importantly, their voice.
“Floods are not natural disasters when corruption builds the dam,” said one poster circulating online.
As Filipinos revisit the memory of Martial Law, these rallies aim to remind the nation that the fight for transparency and justice is far from over.