ASIA/PHILIPPINES - A march against corruption: 200 organizations take to the streets

Manila (Agenzia Fides) – Over 200 organizations are preparing for the major march against corruption to be held on September 21 in Manila. The demonstration, which focuses on abuses in flood control projects, is demanding transparency and the establishment of responsibilities so that those responsible can be held accountable. The movement is "politically independent," explained Francis Joseph Aquino Dee, spokesperson for the so-called "Trillion Peso March," whose name alludes to the embezzlement of funds intended for natural disaster prevention measures that have instead disappeared into shady channels, with serious repercussions for the population. The initiative for the march was launched by the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation, which has created a network of religious groups, political groups, civil society organizations, and universities. The public protest, according to the organizers, including Bishop Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan and Fr. Abert Delvo, president of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, is demanding justice for the project irregularities that may have lost up to one trillion pesos into the channels of corruption over a decade. The forum emphasizes that it does not pursue political goals but rather "promotes the fight against corruption," Fr. Delvo said, focusing on legislators, contractors, and intermediaries involved in the non-implementation of already funded projects. For this reason, Congress is being urged to grant the newly established Independent Infrastructure Commission the authority to prosecute those responsible, intensify corruption investigations, and publicize the incomes of all government officials. The date of the protest, September 21, also marks the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law in the country by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the current president. The planned demonstration will also reach the "People Power Monument" in Quezon City along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa), the site of the 1986 peaceful revolution. At least 15,000 participants are expected, whom Bishop Bagaforo has encouraged to wear white "as a symbol of unity and hope." A statement from the organizers of the planned protest reads: "The corruption that damages the national budget is carried out blatantly, without the alleged perpetrators making the slightest attempt to conceal their obscene lifestyles. Meanwhile, most Filipinos are left to fend for themselves, their homes destroyed by floods, and their loved ones affected by flood-borne diseases." Representatives of the network stress that they have noted "the people's outrage," which they believe has "reached its peak," and hope that it will be "expressed in an appropriate and constructive manner" and "directed against corruption." Meanwhile, the issue was also officially addressed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who highlighted the serious irregularities in his State of the Nation address on July 28, triggering an avalanche of revelations and resignations. At the heart of the scandal is the embezzlement of some 118 billion pesos by the Department of Public Works over the past three years. It is alleged that the funds allocated to mitigate the effects of flooding were channeled to a network of contractors, legislators, and officials who, in many cases, improperly appropriated the funds. Although some 5,500 projects have been completed since 2022, extensive investigations have revealed evidence of poorly executed or non-existent construction work, leaving the most vulnerable communities at risk during events such as this year's heavy monsoon rains and typhoons. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 18/9/2025)

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human rights

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civil society

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youth

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corruption

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