TIPS: What to bring, what to wear, dos and don'ts for the Sept. 21 anti-corruption protests
Thousands of protesters are expected to take part in two demonstrations in Rizal Park in Manila and the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on Sunday, Sept. 21, amid the flood control project scandal.
The first rally, "Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon na Laban sa Korapsyon," will be held at 9 a.m. It was organized by Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance or TAMA NA (an organization of academic institutions along Taft Avenue), Panatang Luntian Coalition (a group of youth environmentalists), and student councils from various universities.
The second protest, "Trillion Peso March: A Call to Accountability," will take place at 2 p.m. It was made possible by Church Leaders Council for National Transformation, political group 1Sambayan, and civil society organizations comprising schools, professionals, civic movements, labor groups, women’s organizations, and youth coalitions.
Purposefully, the rallies will take place on the 53rd anniversary of late Ferdinand Marcos' declaration of martial law, the dark period in Philippine history marked by corruption and human rights abuses. A series of bloodless demonstrations, known as the EDSA People Power, were held from Feb. 22 to 25, 1986, ultimately toppling the Marcos dictatorship.
Here are more details about the Sunday rallies regarding the program flow, the dos and don'ts, and other things that attendees must keep in mind, according to organizers.
Program
The protests will serve as a "space to show up for each other at this moment, according to Krishna Ariola of the Bacolod Youth Alliance, one of the participating groups in the Sept. 21 event.
"[O]ne mobilization will not have an immediate outcome, but it will help lead the way," Ariola said.
She said a "diverse crowd" is expected, with invite posters being shared even by gangs, churches, and hip-hop and punk communities.
The rallies will include a march, placards, streamers, instruments, and whistles for a noise barrage, flyers and posters, and chants.
There will be a main stage program with speeches from sectoral and community leaders.
Ariola also warned about police and military presence "for purpose of intimidation," as well as "crowd control in case of escalation."
Rally essentials
The hours-long protests expose attendees to the elements and other risks, so they're encouraged to keep in mind a checklist of rally essentials. Ariola told attendees to bring the following:
- water tumbler
- umbrella
- cap
- face mask
- running shoes
- bandana
- first-aid kit
- snacks
- cash
Television personality Jun Sabayton, in a separate post, also told attendees to bring certain alternatives to what Ariola had mentioned, as well as other essentials:
- reusable bottle
- energy food like crackers, a banana, or a granola bar
- eye protection like goggles or a clean handkerchief
- government ID
- emergency contact written on a piece of paper
- power bank
- light jacket
- layered clothing that's easily removable
- comfortable shoes for long walks
- closed shoes in case of stampedes
- saline solution and mask/bandana that can be dampened in case of tear gas
What to wear
Participants in the 2 p.m. rally are encouraged to come in white shirts "as a symbol of unity and hope," according to 1Sambayan.
"The convening groups emphasized that this action is not partisan, but rather rooted in moral conviction and the defense of human dignity," it added.
Organizers of the 9 a.m. rally did not state what color or other kind of outfit must be worn during the rally.
Sabayton, meanwhile, noted that protesters must wear neutral or plain clothes instead of colorful or "provocative" shirts.
Dos and don'ts
Holding demonstrations aren't just all about airing sentiments. It's still essentially a program with a structure, which attendees must be aware of to know what should be done and otherwise.
DO: Observe a buddy system
Sabayton reminded attendees to observe a "buddy system" and go with a companion to ensure each other's safety.
He asked attendees to be familiar with the routes, like the assembly points, exit, and nearby hospitals and safe spaces like churches or malls. He asked them to observe the crowd to determine the areas where stampedes may potentially take place.
He told attendees to mark an emergency meeting spot in case group members get separated from each other.
DO: Bring food
Luneta organizers also reminded attendees to bring food.
"[M]agsalo-salo habang nag-uusap para sa pagbabago," they said.
DO: Maintain communication with fellow protesters
Aside from the important reminders above, Sabayton urged protesters to download Bridgefy, a Bluetooth-based offline messaging app that lets users communicate even without internet or mobile data. He noted that it works up to 100 meters and has also been used in protests in Hong Kong and Mexico.
Sabayton also recommended downloading Briar, which also works through Bluetooth and even without internet or mobile data. He said it's best when prioritizing privacy and security.
According to the app's About page on Google Play, it's "designed for activists, journalists, and anyone else who needs a safe, easy, and robust way to communicate. Unlike traditional messaging apps, Briar doesn't rely on a central server—messages are synchronized directly between the users' devices."
DON'T: Bring things that could incriminate attendees
Per Sabayton, attendees must avoid bringing things that could incriminate attendees, like alcoholic beverages, sharp objects, or other items that may be classified as weapons.
DON'T: Create chaos
The TV personality also reminded protesters to avoid chaos as much as possible.
"[K]ung may tensyon o nagsisimula ang gulo, lumayo agad. Huwag makisali sa physical confrontation," he said.
Libreng Sakay
With the rallies demanding a lot of standing, walking, and running, attendees will surely get physically exhausted. Moreover, the likely huge crowd may pose difficulties in terms of reaching the areas.
Transport group Manibela made it a point to provide "libreng sakay" services. It will service Luneta Park attendees from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., and EDSA Shrine from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"Ito lamang ay maliit na tulong lamang sa mga kapuwa-Pilipinong pagod na sa paulit-ulit na kurapsyon at gustong ihayag ang kanilang sentimyento," Manibela said. "Kaya sa darating na 21, magsama-sama tayo upang maghayag ng saloobin, at ipakita ang lakas ng masang galit."
In a Facebook post on Sept. 19, Manibela reminded attendees that jeepneys offering libreng sakay will have a sign that states, "All roads lead to Luneta / Libreng Sakay / Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon Laban sa Kurapsyon," posted on the windshield.
The free rides' departure time is at 5 a.m. within Metro Manila, while it's 4 a.m. outside the capital.
Check out the pickup points below.
The Philippine National Police, for its part, said it will deploy 432 vehicles in Metro Manila and other areas on Sept. 21 to provide free rides to commuters.
PNP spokesman Randulf Tuano said local government units will also help, as well as the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Ports Authority.
PCG buses and trucks will be on six routes:
- Monumento to Quezon Avenue
- Nagtahan to España
- White Plains Avenue to Cubao
- Welcome Rotonda to Quezon City Hall
- E. Rodriguez/Araneta Avenue to Quezon Avenue
- E. Rodriguez/Araneta Avenue to Cubao
Ahead of the rally, Manibela also announced a transport strike from Sept. 17 to 19. It cut the strike short on Sept. 18 amid appeals from transport agencies and commuters.
Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide or Piston, meanwhile, has its own transport strike on Sept. 18 before joining the Sept. 21 protest in Rizal Park.
Marcos backs anti-corruption protests
In a Sept. 15 press briefing, Marcos 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.
