MANILA, Philippines—Government accountability over corruption particularly the controversy surrounding flood control projects, is the rallying point for a mass protest on Sept. 21 to commemorate the 54th anniversary of the of the declaration of Martial Law.
The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) will join the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK) rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in the afternoon before leading a march toward Mendiola.
BAYAN said the mobilization will commemorate the Filipino people’s resistance to the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. while continuing calls for accountability over the flood control controversy that sparked large anti-corruption protests last year.
The group said the anniversary should also serve as a reminder of the continuing problems of poverty, corruption, repression and foreign influence.
BAYAN said the Marcos Sr. dictatorship was marked by state violence, political repression, corruption and cronyism, while accusing the Marcos Jr. administration of continuing similar policies through political harassment and expanded cooperation with the U.S.
The group also criticized the Marcos Jr. administration’s policies involving U.S. military access to Philippine territory and initiatives such as Pax Silica, which it said would integrate Philippine critical-mineral extraction, semiconductor production, energy infrastructure and artificial intelligence facilities into U.S.-led supply chains.
Jerome Adonis of KMU also encouraged the ‘Manggagawang Pilipino’ to be part of the protest addressing the demands on resolving hunger, poverty, rising prices, and unemployment.
Meanwhile, Kedric Calibara, chairperson of the Agham Youth of UP Diliman Engineering, said engineers and students would participate in the protest, arguing that government funds should be used for technological development and public needs.
Calibara cited the reported P174.1 billion allocation for flood control, saying that government resources should contribute to the country’s technological advancement rather than being lost to corruption.
Nina Fegi of the Panatang Luntian, Environmentalist Stand Against Corruption Alliance, raised concerns over mining activities, watershed destruction and government initiatives involving critical minerals.
Fegi cited the U.S.-Philippines Critical Minerals Memorandum of Understanding and measures intended to accelerate mineral mapping, mining and exploration, arguing that environmental protection is closely connected to addressing flooding.
“The best flood control that we can have is when we are able to protect and conserve our mountains and resources,” Fegi said.
Joaquin Buenaflor of Kabataan Partylist said corruption should not be viewed solely as a problem of individual government officials but as a systemic issue involving the handling of public funds and government projects.
Buenaflor called for the return of allegedly stolen public funds and the removal of mechanisms that enable corruption, while urging young people to participate in the mobilization.
Mimi Doringo, secretary-general of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap, cited recurring floods, rising prices and low wages among the issues affecting marginalized Filipinos. She called for higher wages and compensation for calamity victims, while urging the government to direct public funds toward services.
“The fund should be for public service, not for corruption,” Doringo said.
The Sept. 21 protests will also be held in various parts of the country, with groups organizing marches, rallies, forums and multisectoral assemblies in Bicol, Baguio, Iloilo, Roxas City, Aklan, Negros and Davao City.
Activities include marches in Legazpi and Naga, a march-rally from UP Baguio to Malcolm Square, a march to the Ombudsman in Iloilo, a march from Roxas City Civic Center to the city plaza, a forum and march in Aklan, a multisectoral assembly and march in Negros, and a multisectoral rally at Roxas Avenue in Davao City. (davaotoday.com)
