Trillion Peso March: Punish the corrupt

Not even scattered rains could prevent the people from denouncing massive corruption, as the streets of Manila and Quezon City, as well as other parts of the country were flooded with simultaneous protest actions yesterday, the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law.

- MARK ERNEST VILLEZA and CHRISTINE BOTON

Participants in the “Trillion Peso March” demanded accountability and punishment, including imprisonment and even the death penalty, for those in both the government and the private sector who are believed to have pocketed trillions in public funds meant for flood control and other infrastructure projects.

They also pushed for systemic reforms to eradicate the culture of corruption.

In the morning, protesters gathered in Rizal Park in Manila for the “Baha sa Luneta” rally, with some groups proceeding to Mendiola afterwards. In the afternoon, people filled the northbound lane of EDSA in Quezon City, from the EDSA Shrine up to the People Power Monument.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan president Renato Reyes, who was injured during a commotion in Mendiola, said public anger is deeper this year, warning officials that citizens are fed up.

While rally organizers did not formally call for President Marcos' resignation, Reyes said such demands would not be surprising.

"If people call for that, we can't stop them. What we want to avoid is for this to be used for political interests. This is not pro-Duterte or pro-Marcos anyone involved in corruption, regardless of affiliation, should be criticized," he said.

President Marcos himself acknowledged the scandal in his July State of the Nation Address, after weeks of deadly floods highlighted the absence of working flood defenses.

Labor leader Leody de Guzman said Filipinos want accountability.

"The people believe all those involved in corruption - whether Marcos, Duterte, DPWH officials or contractors must be jailed. Corruption has become a system. It's not enough to imprison individuals, we must uproot the system itself: political dynasties," he said.