MANILA, Philippines – Several political and civil groups staged two major rallies yesterday, Sept. 21, in Metro Manila to protest massive government corruption amid growing public backlash over anomalous flood control and infrastructure projects.
Organized by Taumbayan Laban sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network (TAMA NA) and various student and activist groups, the “Baha sa Luneta” protest at Rizal Park began at 9 a.m. and continued early into the afternoon, with the Manila Public Information Office estimating attendance at about 49,000.
Meanwhile, the “Trillion Peso March” took place at the People Power Monument at 2 p.m., with a reported turnout of 100,000. Organizers included Tindig Pilipinas, Simbahan at Komunidad Laban sa Katiwalian (SIKLAB), NAGKAISA Labor Coalition, Kalipunan ng Kilusang Masa, and Clergy for Good Governance.
Days ahead of the protests, disagreement among organizers sparked debate over the alleged complicity of President Marcos Jr. amid widespread government corruption, with some calling for his resignation.
Last September 18, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) released a statement stressing its condemnation of the President.
“We should not stop with punishing the subordinates; we should name and run after the masterminds and principal beneficiaries of the entrenched corruption in the bureaucracy,” read the statement.
“Thus, it is important that the September 21 protest will inevitably and necessarily name Marcos as the chief culprit not just for the flood control issue but also the large scale corruption in government.”
Meanwhile, Tindig Pilipinas Convenor Kiko Aquino Dee denied reports labeling the Trillion Peso March an anti-BBM protest in an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel.
“We want to avoid calls for specific leaders. The unifying factor is (the fight against) corruption. As Bishop Colin Bagafora says: There’s no color in corruption,” said Dee.
Organizers of the two protests united in demanding accountability and transparency in government.
Clashes, Violent Dispersal by Police
Following the main program at the Luneta rally, protesters marched towards Mendiola, where violent confrontations with police erupted. Law enforcement reported a group of masked protesters hurling stones, bottles, and modified molotov cocktails, to which police responded with water bombs and teargas.
The clashes extended into the night, spilling over to Recto Avenue, where multiple witnesses allege shots fired. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno denied reports of police gunfire.
“Walang nagpaputok ng baril, kaya nga pinagpapasalamat ko na kahit sugatan ‘yung mga pulis, talagang maximum tolerance,” said Moreno. “Salamat sa Diyos, both to the PNP and the rallyist, wala namang [reported deaths].”
In a press conference the next morning, DILG secretary Jonvic Remulla reiterated Moreno’s claims.
“There were zero casualties. What is spreading around in social media is fake news,” said Remulla. “None of the protesters were seriously hurt.”
“The police got hurt more than the protesters, and that is something notable to everyone,” he added. “Nakakaawa po ang mga pulis natin.”
Remulla’s remarks conflicted with a DOH report that confirmed one death.
Various bystanders have also taken to social media to share eyewitness accounts and videos depicting the deployment of firearms by uniformed law enforcement and unidentified individuals in civilian clothing.
Remulla also reported the arrest of 216 individuals, including 18 minors.
Mendiola has provided the backdrop for significant events in the history of the Marcos Sr. dictatorship, including the 1970 “Battle of Mendiola”, when clashes with the Philippine Constabulary left six dead and nearly 100 injured.
