By Ethel Monique Domingo | Photo by: Atty. Kim Naparan
MANILA, PH — In one of the largest Martial Law commemorations in recent years, fiery “Ikulong na ‘yan, mga kurakot (Jail the corrupt)!” chants echoed across major streets on September 21, 2025, as reportedly over 100,000 demonstrators decried corruption and demanded accountability anew.
The series of mass actions centered on condemning alleged corruption and nepotism practices in the past and present administrations, following reports of large-scale anomalies in substandard or ghost flood control and other infrastructure projects.
The Church Leaders Council for National Transformation (CLCNT), backed by more than 80 civil society groups, intentionally mounted the day of prayer and protest to coincide with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, citing documented abuses under the first Marcos regime to present-day systemic issues.
In the morning, multisectoral groups including first-time rally-goers, students and teachers, civic and faith-based organizations, labor coalitions, public figures, and private citizens joined forces at the “Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon Laban sa Korapsyon” protest. Concurrently, an ecumenical mass and interfaith program, organized by SIKLAB (Simbahan at Komunidad Laban sa Katiwalaan), occurred at the EDSA People Power Monument.
Later in the afternoon, protesters converged at EDSA for prayers, cultural performances, and calls to action at the Trillion Peso March. Francis Aquino-Dee, co-convenor of Tindig Pilipinas and one of the lead organizers, referred to the event as a “moral call” to demand a government worthy of the Filipinos’ trust.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David urged President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., to ensure that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), formed through Executive Order No. 94 just 10 days prior, effectively enforces its mandate to investigate irregularities in infrastructure projects.
David, outgoing President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCP), likewise implored officials not to turn the Congress into a bastion of thieves.
Also at the rally, former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno described today’s claimed corruption scheme in budget insertions as “10 times more evil” than the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel, which the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional in 2013 under her helm. “We must not let this moment pass. We must press the prosecution to build strong cases, and we pray that the judiciary will do its part,” added the former head of the judicial branch.
To close the day, a solemn candle-lighting ceremony in honor of Martial Law heroes took place at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani. Renowned activist, Ana Maria “Princess” Nemenzo turned to the youth, retelling lived stories under the dictatorship and emphasizing the need to learn from history.
Local groups also held their own demonstrations across the country, in solidarity with the mass movement against corruption.
Authorities clarified by the end of the day that the clash between police officers and protesters in Mendiola involved a separate group from the “Baha sa Luneta” and One Trillion Peso March demonstrations, declaring the September 21 rallies generally peaceful.