What you need to know about the two rallies happening on Sept. 21
On Sept. 21, Filipinos are set to take to the streets for rallies denouncing corruption in anomalous flood control projects.
The protests will take place on the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in 1972 under Ferdinand Marcos Sr., which has become a flashpoint for remembrance, protest, and political mobilization.
On Saturday, two major anti-corruption demonstrations will take place in Metro Manila: one in Luneta Park and another at the EDSA People Power Monument.
Both rallies are a direct response to the alleged misuse of billions in public funds for "ghost" and "substandard" flood control projects, a controversy that has sparked widespread public outrage.
Here's a breakdown of what to know about the two rallies.
Baha sa Luneta
The Luneta protest, dubbed as "Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon na Laban sa Korapsyon," is organized by students and activist groups led by Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (TAMA NA), a network of organizations from schools around Taft Avenue, and the Panatang Luntian Coalition, a group of young environmentalists, and various student councils.
TAMA NA is convened by De La Salle University professor David Michael San Juan, who was one of the congressional nominees of ACT Teachers Party-list for the 2016, 2019, and 2022 elections.
In August, the network filed a petition urging the Supreme Court to reverse its ruling regarding Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment.
Meanwhile, environmental advocate Niña Fegi is the coordinator of Panatang Luntian.
"Sawa na kami sa mga lider na nagpupugay sa resilience' ng mga Pilipino para pagtakpan ang pinapasan naming hirap dulot ng kanilang korapsyon," the group said in a press statement.
It added, "Suya na kami sa bardagulan ng mga pulitiko na ang ending ay sila sila rin ang naghahatian sa gabundok na kayamanan."
The gathering is set to take place at Rizal Park in Manila, with groups mobilizing from 9 a.m.
In another press statement, TAMA NA said it calls for accountability and the removal and imprisonment of those involved in alleged anomalous flood projects and other corrupt acts, from the Duterte to the Marcos administration.
They also demand the return of ill-gotten wealth, the abolition of all pork barrel funds, the release of the list and ban contractors and suppliers, and the publication of Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Networth of all government officials.
The protest also serves as a condemnation of what some groups see as a cyclical pattern of corruption and a lack of genuine response from the government.
Among the protest's initial signatories are Kabataan Partylist Rep. Renee Co, University of the Philippines Student Regent Ron Dexter Clemente, Juana Change Movement founder Mae Paner, director Joel Lamangan, and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas and 2025 senatoriable Danilo Ramos, among others.
Trillion Peso March
Interested participants can also attend other protests calling for accountability amid the flood control mess through the "Trillion Peso March" organized by Catholic and Protestant leaders, along with civil society.
The event will happen at the People Power Monument in Quezon City at 2 p.m. on the same day.
The demonstration was formally announced in a press conference in Quezon City by a coalition of groups, the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation (CLCNT), Tindig Pilipinas, Akbayan Party-list, and other civil society groups.
In a Facebook post, Akbayan said that the groups chose EDSA as the venue of their protest because of its critical significance in today’s context.
"In 1986, we gathered at EDSA to end the plunder under Martial Law. In 2001, we rose up against the corruption of the Estrada administration. In 2013, inspired by EDSA, we joined the Million People March to fight the Napoles pork barrel scam. Today, we seek to channel that same spirit once more,” Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña explained.
The convenor of the protest, CLCNT, is headed by its national secretariat Fr. Wilmer Joseph Tria and was established by Caritas Philippines on Feb. 13, 2025. The group called for transparency, justice, and responsible use of public funds during EDSA People Power @ 39.
Meanwhile, Tindig Pilipinas is a coalition of democratic groups and advocates with Kiko Aquino Dee, grandson of former senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and former president Cory Aquino, as its co-convenor.
Akbayan, on the other hand, is a progressive political party that topped the party-list vote in the 2025 elections. The group pushes for reforms across governance, social welfare, and human rights.
Over 200 groups are expected to join, including the Liberal Party, Partido MAnggagawa, 1Sambayan, Adamson University, Akbayan Representatives Chiel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Kiram Ismula, among others.
Marcos backs anti-corruption protests
In a Sept. 15 press briefing, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. expressed his support for the upcoming protests against corruption.
"If I (were not) the president, I might be out in the streets with them," he said. "I brought this up, and it is in my interest that we find a solution to what has become a very egregious problem."
"It’s actually known to many people, but it has now been exposed to the general public. Do you blame them for going out into the streets?"
The President encouraged Pinoys to "let [their] sentiments be known" to the ones involved in corruption. "How they hurt you, how they stole from you. Shout at them... You demonstrate. Just keep it peaceful. If it is not peaceful... the police will have to do its duty to maintain peace and order."
Marcos said he understands the sentiments of the Filipino people. "Of course, they are enraged. Of course, they are angry. I am angry. We should all be angry. Because what’s happening is not right. I want to show that there’s justice. I want to show that there is fairness... I want to hold these people accountable, just like they do. So I don't blame them. I don't blame them. Not one bit."
The country's Chief Executive called out those who were involved in "ghost" projects in his fourth State of the Nation Address and later launched the "Sumbong sa Pangulo" website, making data on flood control initiatives available to the public.
Hearings at the House of Representatives and the Senate revealed billions of pesos lost to corruption, which prompted the formation of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure that will specifically investigate anomalies in flood control projects in the last 10 years.
Marcos has cancelled all flood control allocations for 2026, saying it will be "realigned to priority sectors," including education, health, agriculture, housing, infrastructure, ICT, labor, social services, and energy.
