Marking the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law and amid corruption issues over the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) flood control projects, a broad coalition of church groups, civil society organizations, labor unions, political coalitions, student groups, and universities converged on Rizal Park and EDSA on Sept. 21 for the Trillion Peso March.
Organizers described the protest as a collective voice against what they called a “systemic pattern of corruption,” demanding accountability for the alleged misuse of up to ₱1.089 trillion in public funds earmarked for flood control projects.
The main program of the day officially started at Rizal Park Luneta at 9 a.m., “Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon na Laban sa Korapsyon,” garnered around 80,000 participants. The event then concluded at 1 p.m. where groups began to march toward other key locations, mainly the Mendiola Peace Arch.
Consequently, De La Salle Philippines (DLSP) with around 1,000 participants at La Salle Greenhills, held a mass presided by Fr. Alexius V. Magtibay, OSJ. Afterwards, a speech from Atty. Jose Manuel ‘Chel’ Diokno and Ramon Del Rosario urged Lasallians to raise their voices and live out the school’s values.
“We shall push for accountability, we shall demand leaders that serve the people instead of themselves, and we will not stop until they fulfill systematic change,” Diokno said.
The DLSP participants then marched from La Salle Greenhills to People Power Monument at 2 p.m., some holding placards with each a message to the government of their own. Different chants were voiced as they marched such as, “Serbisyo ng tao, huwag gawin negosyo,” “Lasalyado ng bayan, ngayon ay lumalaban,” “Busina, busina, laban sa korapsyon,” and many more, all calling for accountability.
In an interview with The Benildean, Ian, one of the protesters at the People Power Monument, addressed those who remained neutral on the DPWH issue. “Siguro lahat ng mamamayan, mula sa mga kabataan, sa mga estudyante hanggang sa mga nakakatanda, maging aktibo na. Hindi pupuwedeng nasa sidelines… ‘Pag hindi tayo nagsalita, hindi tayo kumilos, walang magbabago.” Ian said.
Ian also called for responsible and educated voting for leaders, as this where it starts, it starts with us. Caesar Salonga Jr., 78, who was also present during the protest, called for the youth to participate in holding the government accountable and fighting corruption in an interview with The Benildean.
“Ba’t ganun? Nakakailang People Power na, magmula pa noong 1986 andito na ‘ko. Hanggang ngayon, ganun pa rin. Hindi nagbabago,” Caesar stated.
Both also called for the government to take accountability, have mercy on the citizens, and serve the people who voted for them.
Due to the massive number of people, authorities have declared road closure as both sides of the historic EDSA landmark, People Power Monument, and EDSA Shrine, have been filled by demonstrators. Artists and influencers, including Vice Ganda, Anne and Jasmine Curtis, Donny Pangilinan, Darren Espanto, and OPM band Ben&Ben, also joined the demonstrations.
"Tapos na ang panahon ng mabait at resilient... 'Di na uubra bait-baitan. Hindi ko babaitan mensahe ko—sa katunayan, mga hayop sila. Hindi natin kakalmahan dahil deserve nila ang galit, poot, at pikon," Vice Ganda said.
While most gatherings remained peaceful, the Manila Police District reported that 72 protesters were arrested after clashes at Luneta, Ayala Bridge, and Chino Roces Bridge in Mendiola. At Ayala Bridge alone, 51 demonstrators were apprehended after violent acts, including arson and the hurling of debris at police officers.
Violent acts included setting fire underneath a ten-wheeler trailer truck and a parked motorcycle, disrupting nearby activities and prompting the Bureau of Fire Protection to respond. Tensions escalated as protesters marched toward Mendiola, with reports of demonstrators stomping, pushing, and hurling stones, barricades, glass bottles, and foul-smelling liquids mixed with paint at police officers. Others were seen throwing debris and molotov bombs, burning placards and tarpaulins, and vandalizing government property.
Another riot was reported along Recto Avenue, where a confrontation between policemen and protesters from Liwasang Bonifacio led to fires being set in the middle of the street and the ransacking of a certain hotel branch. Honrado Amador, a hotel employee, claimed that protesters took his wallet, money, cellphone, license, and other belongings.
Regardless of the commotions, Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. noted that "most rallies went on peacefully because many participants cooperated with the authorities."
As the demonstrations wound down, organizers and participants emphasized that the call for accountability transcends political colors and personalities. For them, the Trillion Peso March was not about partisanship but about reclaiming public funds and demanding honest governance.
Protesters urged Filipinos to set aside loyalty to political figures and instead stand with the country, reminding those in power that ultimate authority rests with the people. The government must never forget—it is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
