Protesters from various church groups, civil society organizations, political coalitions, and educational institutions raised their fists and banners against corruption during the Trillion Peso March on Nov. 30 at the EDSA People Power Monument (PPM).

Following the success of the large-scale protest on Sept. 21, a second iteration of the Trillion Peso March emerged from the unfaltering spirit of Filipinos as organizers urged the public to march alongside them once again.

The rally, coinciding with Bonifacio Day, reignited the people’s patriotism in fighting for the democracy and freedom of their country akin to their national heroes.

Trillion Peso March 2.0

A number of groups and organizations had convened as early as 6 a.m. and marched during the morning through the streets of Manila shouting chants such as “Ikulong lahat, mga kurakot!” “Serbisyo sa tao, ‘wag gawing negosyo!” and “Busina! Busina! Laban sa korapsyon!” toward passing vehicles who honked in solidarity.

The program officially started with a labor pledge led by actor Elijah Canlas who vowed to defend the freedom and rights of every laborer, from factories to streets, offices to fields, and schools to rivers and the seas.

Along with the support from 86 dioceses nationwide, honorary prayers were offered for transparency and accountability during the Holy Mass at PPM led by Bishop Elias Ayuban who called the start of the Advent a “massive wake up call.”

A welcome in unity

Caritas Philippines’ President, Bishop Colin Bagaforo and Akbayan President Rafaela David read the unity statement that calls for three main things: expose the truth, hold all the corrupt accountable, and honor the constitution. The statement puts pressure on the government—particularly President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—to pass policy reforms such as the anti-dynasty bill, Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICIAC) bill, Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, and party-list reforms.

Cardinal Ambo David delivered the welcoming message with a call for unity between the different movements fighting for the same cause. He declared, “We are here for transparency and accountability for a better democracy.”

He mentioned the various marches that went on all over the country and noted that the protests should not only be in Manila, because Manila is not the whole of the country. That this unity, beyond provinces and cities, may be the first in the Philippines.

The Cardinal went on to thank the protesters, dioceses, organizations and the uniformed enforcers who were present—who handed out free water—for their loyalty towards the constitution and its people.

“Kaya tayo nagtungo sa EDSA ay dahil ayaw natin sa mga madaliang solusyon,” he stressed that the people do not believe in a government that does not respect democracy, that discipline cannot come from violence, killings, and the disregard of human rights.

He reminded government officials of their duty, and the oath they took towards the country. “Kaya ibig nating ipaalala sa mga nakaluklok sa pwesto ngayon na ang gobyernong minana ninyo ay bunga ng diwa ng EDSA.”

March for change

In an interview with The Benildean, members of the Youth Ministry of Pagkabuhay Parish, Diocese of Novaliches, strongly expressed their anger over the malversation of public funds and prolonged conviction of those involved.

“Kahit natapos na ‘yung unang Trillion Peso March, kaya nga tayo nandito kasi hindi pa rin tapos, kailangan ng part two. Hindi pa rin natatapos, wala pa ring nakukulong. At sabi—ang pangako may makukulong ngayon bago mag pasko pero asa’n na?” Rafa Valido, youth coordinator, questioned.

Despite the lack of accountability, the people’s hope was never lost, it kept finding ways to demand fair justice for all. “Sana hindi sila mawalan ng pag-asa,” Marcus Duran, altar server, proclaimed.

Mr. Edgar O. Chua, president of De La Salle Philippines, conveyed the importance of education in igniting a shift. “Our schools can educate the students, educate voters because the key here is for us to elect good leaders.”

When asked about his opinions on the rising voices of students in protests, he affirmed this shift “We should strongly encourage our students to be more active and participate in mass actions like this.”

In addition, Ms. Nicky Templo Perez, Vice President for Lasallian Mission and Student Life of DLS-CSB, also emphasized that the youth is the hope of the future. “We need young people who will eventually become leaders of the country to make informed decisions, to make the best decisions for the common good.”

Marcelino Teno of the Dumagat Tribe urged the public to continue their fight for truth and accountability, that their fight is the catalyst to change the country and its people truly need.

“Patuloy na lumaban hanggang may magnanakaw, patuloy nating itindig ang ating mga karapatan, ‘wag tayong susuko at talagang usigin natin ang dapat malagot,” he emphasized.

Articles by Janella Bumacod

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