Protests Against Corruption Span Philippines, With Manila Rallies Drawing Thousands And Clashes
MANILA, Philippines — Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in major rallies in Metro Manila on 21 September 2025, to condemn corruption in government public works projects. The demonstration at Rizal Park, dubbed "Baha Sa Luneta," was organized to highlight alleged irregularities in flood control programs, while the "Trillion Peso March" in EDSA focused on demanding accountability from officials involved in questionable contracts.
The protests were not limited to the capital, as similar same-themed rallies were held in various provinces across the country, including Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Baguio, among others.
The "Trillion Peso March" at the People Power Monument began with a Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Elias Lumayog Ayuban Jr. of the Diocese of Cubao. Meanwhile, a delegation from the Sacred Heart Parish in Kamuning was also present at the EDSA rally, led by Parish Priest Fr. Randy Flores, SVD, together with 2025 Ramon Magsaysay awardee, Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD. Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio "Ambo" David also took part in the rally.
In photo: Cubao Bishop Elias Lumayog Ayuban Jr. presided the Holy Mass at the People Power Monument kicking off the Trillion Peso March
In photo: Bishop Pablo Virgilio "Ambo" David of Caloocan Diocese with rally participants;CBS
In photo: 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Fr. Flavie Villanueva,SVD with Sacred Heart Parish Priest Fr. Randolf Flores,SVD and their delegation; Sacred Heart Parish
The program later featured musical performances by the band Ben&Ben, among others. Also a number of high-profile celebrities joined the EDSA march, including Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Iza Calzado, Darren Espanto, Donny Pangilinan and Catriona Gray.
Vice Ganda took the stage and delivered a direct challenge to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., stating, “PBBM, upang magkaroon ng magandang legasiya ipakulong mo lahat ng magnanakaw. Inaasahan ka namin. Swine-swelduhan ka namin PBBM. Kami nagpapasahod sa inyo. Tapos na panahon takot sa gobyerno. Takutin natin. Ipakulong lahat. Lahat. Bawiin mga ari-arian.”
(PBBM, if you want to leave a good legacy, jail all the thieves. We are counting on you. You're being paid by us, PBBM. We are the ones paying your salaries. The time for fearing the government is over. Let's make them afraid. Jail them all. Every single one. Seize all their assets.)
In photo: Vice Ganda on stage in the Trillion Peso March delivering a challenge to Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In photo: Iza Calzado, Donny Pangilinan, Darren Espanto & Anne Curtis; by Ryan Franco Verano/THE FLAME
Meanwhile, actresses Jodi Sta. Maria, Angel Aquino, and Maris Racal, as well as actor Elijah Canlas, were among the celebrities who attended the "Baha sa Luneta" rally.
A number of politicians also joined the EDSA protest, including Senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, and Representatives Leila De Lima and Chel Diokno. Former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson was also present but was booed by the crowd.
The day's events were also marked by separate incidents of violence. A group of young protesters from a pro-Duterte rally in Liwasang Bonifacio caused chaos in the Morayta-Recto area. Earlier in that same rally, an elderly nun was reportedly harassed by Duterte supporters after speaking in support of President Marcos Jr.
Photo courtesy: Mores Heramis via ABS-CBN News
A separate group of young protesters, many of whom were wearing black attire and masks, turned violent as they marched toward Malacañang. They were met by a police barricade on Ayala Bridge, where the confrontation escalated. The group burned a lorry, hurled rocks, and threw stones at police, resulting in injuries to several officers. Police pursued the group and made arrests, with the violence continuing into the early evening along Legarda Street near Mendiola.
In photo: Some of the injured policemen; Mayor Isko Moreno Facebook
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that while the nationwide protests were "generally peaceful," there were "isolated incidents" of violence. The Manila Police District confirmed that a total of 72 protesters were arrested for violent acts, with 51 of those arrests made at Ayala Bridge. The PNP also reported that at least 70 members of the Manila Police District sustained injuries. The authorities commended their personnel for exercising maximum tolerance and thanked the majority of protesters who cooperated and kept the rallies orderly.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno was saddened that many police were injured in the incident. He vowed that the perpetrators would have to face the law for the damages they caused. He also clarified that it is not wrong to participate in protests, but said that they should not lead to the destruction of public and private property.
In photo: Mayor Isko Moreno with media vowing that those responsible for the violence "will pay the price".
"All those damages, government properties, all those apprehended, will be charged. I will make sure that they will pay the price...They are welcome in Manila and express their complaints and rights, especially in our public plazas. But they don't have the right to destroy public and private properties."
Cover image courtesy: MMDA Facebook
