DAVAO CITY – Sen. Christopher Lawrence Go warned that widespread protests in the country against corruption may continue unless authorities uncover the alleged masterminds behind anomalies in flood control projects.

In an interview with Davao reporters on Sunday, Sept. 21, Go stressed the need to identify and hold the masterminds behind alleged corruption in the country accountable and appealed for a peaceful nationwide protest.

Go arrived and joined the “Pray for the Philippines and for the Release of Former President Rodrigo Duterte” event in the evening at San Pedro Square. He prayed for peace and unity in the country and the safe return of the former Chief Executive.

He called for prayers for Vice President Sara Duterte’s safety as she travels abroad to meet overseas Filipinos. Go thanked the Vice President for all her efforts and support for Filipinos.

“Feeding our fellow Filipinos, especially those deprived, is not wrong. Sometimes, it is their only chance to taste food like roast beef – and now even roast crocodile and a massive crocodile cake,” the senator said.

Go expressed solidarity with Mindanao and Davao residents who have joined calls for peace. “We are holding a peaceful rally here in Davao City. What’s important is that we properly convey our grievances and anger,” he said.

The senator said the public unrest in the nationwide prayer rally reflects growing frustration over unresolved corruption scandals. He added that accountability should reach the “brains” of the scheme, not just lower-level participants.

“As long as the people are not able to identify the mastermind, where it all started, and as long as the corruption does not stop, these protests will likely continue across many parts of the country,” Go said, who also prayed for the safety of everyone.

The senator called for the return of former President Duterte from The Hague in the Netherlands, saying the political situation in the country has become unstable compared to his administration, which he described as “in control.”

Go lamented current political instability, citing the rapid change in congressional leadership and the loss of his health advocacy committee. He said he respects the decision and that what matters most is to continue serving the people.

Despite the turbulence, Go said he joins Filipinos in praying for the nation to move forward, emphasizing that ordinary citizens want to work and be free from the constant burden of flooding and other problems.

Reiterating his appeal, Go urged the Senate investigators to dig deeper. He insisted that everyone involved in what he described as “milking the government coffers” must be held accountable to cut the system of corruption.

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa also joined the prayer rally. He stressed in a speech the need to fight widespread corruption in government, recalling his refusal to sign what he described as the anomalous 2025 national budget last year.

Dela Rosa also cited alleged bribery attempts linked to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co to officials in connection with the International Criminal Court’s inquiry into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

Dela Rosa sympathized with the Filipino people and discussed the ongoing Senate hearings on flood control projects. He called for continuous prayers for the country and hold corrupt officials accountable.

The Davao City Police Office said about 7,500 people gathered at San Pedro Square as of 6 p.m. Sunday for the event despite intermittent rain showers.