Thousands of Filipinos filled Luneta and EDSA on September 21 in the biggest show of public outrage yet against the flood-control scandal that has implicated lawmakers and rattled the Marcos administration.
At Luneta, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos delivered a speech that cast corruption as both a political crime and a moral sin.
Quoting Psalm 12:5, the incoming president of Caritas Philippines warned that dynasties and officials who steal from the poor should not reign forever.
“From the smallest contractor to the highest office, you have been warned. Repent! Stop your wicked deeds. Return what you have stolen,” he told the crowd, leading chants of “Lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot!” (All those involved must be held accountable!).
He urged Filipinos not to be deceived by “sweet words, pretenses, or the false use of God’s name,” insisting that the Church must stand “arm in arm with the people, alongside the young and old, united in the struggle for justice and true change.”
Bishops’ challenge to Marcos
At the EDSA People Power Monument, where another massive rally unfolded, the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation (CLCNT) placed the burden squarely on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prove his government is serious about accountability.
“No official, however powerful, is untouchable,” the group said, issuing five urgent demands: expedite trials and restitution, publish real Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) including the President’s, dismantle political dynasties and pork barrel funds, criminalize budget insertions, and allow public participation in budget deliberations.
Bishop Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan, outgoing president of Caritas Philippines, said the turnout of thousands reflected “righteous indignation.”
He stressed that the call to jail corrupt officials came from the poor, the workers, the youth, and ordinary families. “Tama na. Sobra na. Ikulong na (Enough. This is too much. Jail them now),” he said, echoing the crowd’s cry.
Bishop Robbie Gaa of Novaliches added that the protest was only the beginning. “Now, we challenge President Marcos Jr. to act decisively—not by shielding anyone, but by letting the truth come out.”
CLCNT leaders also appealed to young people to take the fight online. Bishop Bagaforo urged them to be “warriors of truth in the digital space,” while Fr. Antonio Labiao, who heads the group’s steering committee, said the march marked only the first step in a broader movement for truth and justice.
Clashes and arrests
The September 21 demonstrations were marked by both peaceful mobilizations and tense confrontations in Manila, where police said more than 200 people were arrested, including at least 88 minors.
Authorities used water cannons and sirens against groups of mostly young protesters who hurled rocks, leaving several police vehicles burned and the windows of a precinct headquarters shattered.
The Department of Health reported about 50 people were brought to one Manila hospital following the unrest, while police said 93 officers were injured.
Among those hurt was Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) president Renato Reyes, who was struck by a rock in the face.
“I got hit by a rock in the face and was bloodied during the Mendiola clashes. The rock came from the side of the protesters,” he said.
While distancing his organization from the violence, he underscored the roots of the outburst. “I may not agree with their tactics, but I understand their anger. We are not about to condemn the poor who express their anger against the system in ways we might not be comfortable with. Kasalanan ng sistema kung bakit malalim ang galit ng tao (It is the fault of the system that the people’s anger runs so deep).”
Reyes warned that mass arrests would not quell public outrage. He said if the government “thinks that mass arrests on the streets will quell the outrage, they haven’t been paying attention to history and current events.”
In a statement, BAYAN described the Luneta rally as a “flood of people” that drew at least 100,000 participants from various sectors.
The group said its members tried to calm tensions near Mendiola but that “the surge of deep anger became uncontrollable.” At least a dozen members of allied organizations were arrested.
“Bayan deplores the violent response of the police in handling the young protesters in Mendiola,” the statement read.
It pointed to videos showing officers “aggressively arresting and dispersing young protesters” and demanded the immediate release of detained activists.
“This anger should be met with understanding and a willingness to address the legitimate concerns of the poor,” the group said, warning that “the brutal behavior of the police will spark more condemnation and protests among our people.”
The unrest came amid revelations that “ghost” flood-control projects may have cost taxpayers billions of pesos.
The Department of Finance estimated losses of 118.5 billion pesos ($2 billion) from 2023 to 2025, while Greenpeace suggested the figure could be closer to $18 billion.
The scandal has already forced the resignation of the Senate president and House speaker and remains under investigation. – with reports from Agence France-Presse
