Thousands march vs corruption

Palace bucks calls for President Marcos to resign

- By PATRICK GARCIA, BETHEENA UNITE, MARTIN SADONGDONG, AARON RECUENCO, and ALLYSA NIEVERA

Thousands of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) members flocked to the Quirino Grandstand in Manila at the start of the three-day demonstration dubbed as "Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy" on Sunday, Nov. 16, to urge transparency and accountability from the national government following the discovery of hundreds of anomalous flood control projects across the country in recent months.

Another rally for accountability, justice, and integrity was mounted at the People Power Monument in EDSA by cause-oriented groups with the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) estimating the crowd to be more than 2,000 by 5 p.m.

According to the Manila Police District's (MPD) crowd estimate, around 550,000 people have gathered at the Quirino Grandstand as of 5:00 p.m.

Police forces were placed under highest security alert status for the three-day assemblies. Over 16,000 policemen were tapped to secure the rallies.

Thousands also gathered at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City yesterday for the "Takbo Laban sa Korapsyon," an anti-corruption run calling for greater accountability amid ongoing national corruption issues.

The event kicked off at 6 a.m. at the Oblation Plaza, led by the UP Diliman Engineering Student Council in partnership with the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK).

Runners and walkers completed loops around University Avenue and the Academic Oval, many holding placards demanding transparency, swift investigations, and accountability for officials allegedly involved in irregularities.

Participants came from various sectors, including students, faculty members, campus workers, alumni, athletes, and residents from nearby communities. Organizers said the turnout reflects public frustration over corruption and the growing demand for reforms.

Resignation call