For the first time in recent memory, today’s observance of the martial law declaration in 1972 by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. will be marked by two major protest demonstrations.

First, there is Baha sa Luneta Laban sa Korapsyon (Flood in Luneta Against Corruption) that will be held in the morning. This was convened by student networks and activist coalitions, including TAMA NA, the Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance, from schools along Taft Avenue; Panatang Luntian Coalition of youth environmentalists; and various university student councils.

In the afternoon, there is the Trillion Peso March at the People Power Monument . This was organized by CLNT, the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation (CLCNT); 1Sambayan and other civil society organizations, such as Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan (ANIM), Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, Nagkaisa Labor Coalition; and Mamamayang Liberal.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. initiated what has developed into a widespread outcry against graft-ridden “ghost” flood control projects in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 28. He launched the Sumbong sa Pangulo website that lists all active flood control projects nationwide and calls on citizens to report their observations on the status of these installations. As revealed in ongoing congressional hearings, billions of public funds have been paid out to perpetrators of a large-scale scam operated by DPWH officials, apparently in collusion with some members of Congress.

Last week, the President issued Executive Order No. 4 creating the Independent Commission on Infrastructure that is tasked to “hear, investigate, receive, gather, and evaluate evidence, intelligence reports, and information, against all government officials and employees, and any other individual, involved in anomalies, irregularities, and misuse of funds in the planning, financing, and implementation of government flood control and other infrastructure projects nationwide.”

The Commission is headed by retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes, Jr., former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson; and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo; with Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as special adviser.

The Commission has begun issuing summons to officials of the DPWH who have been summarily dismissed by newly-appointed Secretary Vivencio Dizon and charged before the Office of the Ombudsman for violation of Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act; Articles 171 and 217 of the Revised Penal Code on malversation of public funds; Republic Act 9184, the Government Procurement Reform Act; and other related laws. According to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, the DOJ’s case build-up will be completed in 40 to 60 days.

Truly significant is the escalating tide of public unrest that is being expressed anew through mass protest actions. According to the Luneta rally organizers, the protest seeks to "ensure that the same deception, abuses, and plunder are never repeated.” The EDSA mass action seeks to “channel the spirit of the 1986 revolution in calling for accountability.”

Church leaders are seeking to enhance “unity across faith and political lines against corruption” and an end to “economic sabotage and a moral abomination paid for by the poor.”

The people’s shared consciousness that the imposition of martial law 53 years ago sounded the death knell on democracy speaks volumes about their firm determination to ensure that history will not repeat itself.

Let today’s Luneta and EDSA rallies convey a massive wake-up call to the country’s political leaders. The citizenry vigorously opposes the rising floods of corruption and will hold them accountable if they are unable to deliver on their obligation to serve.