Manila 80,000 Protest Against Corruption, Bishops Say: "The People's Patience Has Been Exhausted"

The Church, civil organizations, and students jointly launched the "Trillion-Peso March," condemning the scandal involving alleged misappropriation of flood control funds by about 30 legislators and officials. The National Council of Church Leaders proposed five urgent demands, including returning stolen funds and ending political dynasties.

Manila (Asia News) – Yesterday, tens of thousands of Filipinos took to the streets of Manila and other cities across the country to condemn the corruption scandal related to the flood control program. According to official estimates, the flood control program caused losses exceeding ten billion pesos in two years.

The main demonstration was held on September 21st yesterday at the EDSA People Power Monument. This monument is a symbolic location of the 1986 uprising against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, the father of the current president. Yesterday marked the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law by old Marcos.

The protest was renamed the "Trillion-Peso March," with more than 80,000 people participating, including civil organizations, religious groups, students, legislators, and former government officials. Catholic bishops and other Christian churches stood side by side with the people, leading the front in demanding truth, justice, and transparency.

Cardinal Virgilio P. Daza, Chairman of the Philippine Bishops' Conference, said that corruption "is not only stealing public funds, but also stealing the future, when houses are flooded, nature is destroyed, and the opportunities for our descendants disappear." For this reason, he issued an emergency appeal to the parliament, judiciary, and regulatory bodies, asking them to "accelerate investigations and trials, and hold the perpetrators accountable."

According to Cardinal Daza, the church's response was clear: the solution to the corruption problem is not increasing the number of executions, but deeper reforms of the judicial system - a system that protects the weak and truly holds the strong accountable.

Bishop Patricio Abella Bugay of Bacolod said, "The people rose up in anger, and the church stands with them, sharing their pain, frustration, and indignation. The church cannot remain silent, because Jesus himself rejected worship without justice."

Bishop Geraldino Alimanzo of San Carlos City said, "The people have cried out loudly: No more impunity. We demand justice, we demand accountability."

Fr. Luis Patalingan Galbins of Cabancalan said, "Corruption is not just a political issue: it is a deep spiritual and moral crisis. The root of corruption lies in the fruits of greed, the embodiment of the seven deadly sins."

Fr. Elias Auyan II of Cebu added that this protest "calls on the people to unite and fight continuously for justice and change."

The protests were held in multiple locations: in addition to EDSA, about 49,000 people gathered peacefully in Luneta Park; in Baguio City, 5,000 people participated in the march, including senior figures from the "EDSA Revolution" and 62-year-old Benedictine nun Immaculada Calingayan, who had once distributed food to protesters in 1986. "What I see today is still the same corrupt dictatorship," the nun said.

Manila was tense at one point: at least 113 people were arrested for throwing stones, damaging property, and burning tires, and 93 police officers were injured.

A truck was set on fire after being used as a barricade. Riot police formed a line of shields, while masked men threw stones and other items. Then, the police charged into the crowd, arresting several people, some of whom were forced to lie face down on the ground.

However, the majority of the protests were peaceful, with demonstrators holding banners demanding "Return Our Stolen Money" and "Those Who Are Guilty Must Pay the Price."

After the exposure of news that nearly 30 legislators and officials received billions of dollars in bribes from infrastructure projects, a wave of public anger was triggered.

President Ferdinand Marcos announced an independent investigation and canceled his trip to the United Nations General Assembly to monitor the domestic crisis.

This morning, movement organizers gathered at the National Council of Church Leaders (CLCNT), thanking participants and presenting five demands to the government: swift trial of cases and return of stolen funds; disclosure of income and assets of officials, including the president; abolition of political dynasties and discretionary fund use; increased transparency in budget preparation; and ethical standards as binding criteria for public officials.

Fr. Roby Gacutan, co-chair of the Catholic Church in Novalejos, added, "We thank the thousands of people who stood shoulder to shoulder in prayer and protest. But our work does not end with the march. Now, we call on President Marcos Jr. to take decisive action, not to cover up anyone, but to reveal the truth. He must prove that no matter how powerful the officials are, they are not untouchable."

Fr. Colin Bagafro, Chairman of Caritas Philippines, said, "The patience of the Filipino people has been exhausted." "What we saw at EDSA is not just anger, but righteous indignation: the voices of the poor, the youth, and families demanding an end to impunity."

The bishops also called on the younger generation, Fr. Bagafro added, "Young people, your voice is powerful. Be warriors of truth in the digital space. Use your platforms to challenge lies, expose corruption, and defend the public interest."

A flood victim, student, and activist lamented, "We are losing hope, lives, and the future, while they siphon off huge wealth from our taxes."

Fr. Antonio Labyo, Coordinator of the Philippine Catholic Church, concluded, "This movement will not stop here: the 'Trillion-Peso March' is just the beginning of the journey to seek truth and justice. We will continue to be vigilant until corruption is eradicated, and the government serves the poor and the most vulnerable again."

Author Santosh Digal

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844105100507163/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author."