Thousands of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) members flocked to the Quirino Grandstand in Manila at the start of the three-day demonstration dubbed as "Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy" on Sunday, Nov. 16, to urge transparency and accountability from the national government following the discovery of hundreds of anomalous flood control projects across the country in recent months.

Another rally for accountability, justice, and integrity was mounted at the People Power Monument in EDSA by cause-oriented groups with the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) estimating the crowd to be more than 1,000 by 4 p.m.

According to the Manila Police District's (MPD) crowd estimate, around 314,000 individuals have gathered at the Quirino Grandstand as of 4:00 p.m.

Police forces were placed under highest security alert status for the three-day assemblies. Over 16,000 policemen were tapped to secure the rallies.

Thousands also gathered at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City yesterday for the “Takbo Laban sa Korapsyon,” an anti-corruption run calling for greater accountability amid ongoing national corruption issues.

The event kicked off at 6 a.m. at the Oblation Plaza, led by the UP Diliman Engineering Student Council in partnership with the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK).

Runners and walkers completed loops around University Avenue and the Academic Oval, many holding placards demanding transparency, swift investigations, and accountability for officials allegedly involved in irregularities.

Participants came from various sectors, including students, faculty members, campus workers, alumni, athletes, and residents from nearby communities. Organizers said the turnout reflects public frustration over corruption and the growing demand for reforms.

Malacañang shrugged off calls for President Marcos to resign amid allegations of corruption linked to the ongoing flood control anomalies, stressing that a change in leadership could halt the investigations.

In a statement on Sunday, Nov. 16, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro rebuked the warning of the United People’s Initiative (UPI) to Marcos to resign if the allegations are not addressed, saying those who are asking the President to step down are "individuals and supporters affected by this investigation."

"Ang mga nagnanais na siya ay mawala sa pwesto ay mga tao at mga supporters na tinatamaan ng pagiimbestiga na ito (Those who want him removed from office are individuals and supporters affected by this investigation)," Castro said.

The Palace official emphasized that evidence is now coming out, thus, she urged the public to not allow it to be obscured again by the “black team.” She warned that a change in leadership could actually hamper the investigation, which the President initiated.

"Naglalabasan na ang mga ebidensya kaya huwag natin hayaang padilimin itong muli ng mga team itim na naghahasik ng kadiliman sa gobyerno at siyang nagnanais na ipatigil ang pagpapanagot sa mga sangkot (Those who want him removed from office are individuals and supporters affected by this investigation. Evidence is now coming out, so let us not allow it to be obscured again by the black teams spreading darkness within the government and seeking to halt the accountability of those involved)," Castro said.

"Pag naiba ang liderato, maaaring hindi na ituloy ang mga pag iimbestiga na ito at makalaya ang mga kurakot (If the leadership changes, these investigations may no longer continue, and the corrupt may go free)," Castro added.

The UPI urged Marcos to take immediate action to restore public trust and resolve the allegations against him promptly and transparently, adding that if he fails to do so, the President should resign.

Castro responded to this, stressing that the President has long been working to "clean up the mess left behind by the previous administration."

She also pointed out that it was Marcos who exposed the multi-billion-peso flood control irregularities and ordered the investigation through the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which he formed in September.

Meanwhile, tension erupted when INC members spotted some policemen blending in with the crowd at the Quirino Grandstand.

"Pumunta kayo sa pwesto nyo, huwag dito. Gusto namin maging mapayapa at gusto naming ipaabot sa gobyerno na huwag silang manggulo. Malinaw 'yan mga kasamang pulis, pag hindi ninyo ginawa, wala kaming kasalanan. Kayo ang nanggulo hindi kami (Go to your post, not here. We want to be peaceful, and we want to tell the government not to cause trouble. That's clear, fellow police officers; if you didn't do it, it's not our fault. You're the one who caused trouble, not us)," an INC official angrily explained.

"Mapayapa ito at nagpaalam kami sa gobyerno. May permit kami at nakipagcoordinate kaya huwag kami ang tiktikan ninyo (We are peaceful here, and we asked for permission from the government. We have a permit and we coordinated with the authorities, so don't spy on us)," he stressed.

This prompted National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin to order the police force to not join the protesters inside the Quirino Grandstand and instead, guard the outside perimeter of the venue.

President Marcos is monitoring the start of the three-day protest of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in Manila on Sunday, Nov. 16.

The President is monitoring the rally staged by the religious group for transparency and better democracy while he is in Malacañan, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said.

"Yes, the President is monitoring today," Gomez told reporters in a text message, adding that Marcos was monitoring from Malacañan.

The INC has started staging a massive three-day “Rally for Transparency, Accountability, Justice and Peace” from Nov. 16 to 18 in Metro Manila.

Organizers said the event aims to amplify public calls for a transparent investigation into allegedly anomalous government flood-control and climate-related projects.

According to the INC, the rally is open not only to members of the religious organization but to all citizens who share the same call for accountability. The group said the gathering seeks to raise awareness on public concerns surrounding more than a trillion pesos in funds reportedly lost to corruption in various projects since 2023.

The Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW), on orders from Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, provided hot meals and water to the attendees from three distribution areas - San Andres Sports Complex, Dapitan Sports Complex, and Delpan Sports Complex.

The city government also deployed medical personnel and equipment near the venue and at the Kartilya ng Katipunan to respond to any emergencies during the three-day event.

The deployment by the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) included 49 personnel, seven ambulances, two service vehicles, one shower truck, and one fire tanker.

The Philippine Red Cross also deployed 15 personnel and four ambulances. There were also fire volunteers, seven ambulances, 11 Manila Health Department personnel and two ambulances.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its three major service branches - the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Navy (PN), and Philippine Air Force (PAF) - have issued a unified appeal for calm, responsible conduct, and respect for constitutional processes as the bloc-voting religious organization INC began its three-day anti-corruption protest at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Sunday, Nov. 16.

In separate statements, the heads of the AFP, PA, PN, and PAF underscored their commitment to non-partisanship, civilian supremacy, and the protection of democratic rights as they stressed that their role is to safeguard stability, not to interfere in lawful civic expression.

AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. reaffirmed that the military “remains a professional, disciplined, and non-partisan institution, unwavering in its loyalty to the Constitution, the democratic principles we are sworn to defend, and to the Filipino people we serve.”

Brawner directly addressed ongoing speculation circulating online that some of the retired military officers were urging active personnel to join the protests. There were also rumors that certain personalities and groups were conniving to destabilize the government and oust the Commander in Chief, President Marcos Jr.

“With full conviction, I assure the public that the armed forces will not engage in any action that violates the Constitution. Not today, not tomorrow, and certainly not under my watch,” he said.

He said the AFP is focused on its mandate and continues to “carefully monitor and validate information that may affect public safety or constitutional order,” in coordination with partner agencies. He also urged the public to “remain discerning and to rely only on verified and official information.”

As thousands prepare to join various mass actions, Brawner emphasized that the AFP “reiterates its respect for the rights of our people to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” adding that these are “freedoms we are sworn to protect.”

He called on organizers and attendees to remain vigilant against attempts by “infiltrators or outside elements” to exploit the gatherings. “Protecting the integrity of these assemblies is a shared responsibility,” he said.

The PA, on the other hand, echoed a similar reminder, urging the public to reject division and uphold national unity.

“The Philippine Army affirms our mandate as a professional and non-partisan defender of the Constitution and our nation’s democratic values,” said PA Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete.

He stressed that the Army “firmly rejects lawless and unconstitutional actions that will undermine our national security and stability.”

While prepared to support the police in ensuring peace and security during the three-day protest of the INC, Nafarrete said the Army’s core mission remains protecting the country’s sovereignty and territory.

Nafarrete appealed to protest organizers “to be responsible for the well-being and safety of their participants,” and to ensure the peaceful exercise of free speech.

For its part, the PN affirmed the same posture, with Flag Officer in Command Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta said that the Navy “stands resolutely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and non-partisanship.”

He assured the public that the Navy is ready to support other agencies to keep the upcoming assemblies safe and lawful.

“Our sailors and marines remain steadfast in their duty to serve and protect the Filipino people,” Ezpeleta said. “Makakaasa kayo na ang bawat mandirigma at mandaragat ng Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas ay tapat sa tungkuling panatilihin ang kapayapaan, karangalan at karapatan ng bawat Pilipino (You can be assured that every warrior and sailor of the Philippine Navy is faithful to the duty of upholding the peace, dignity, and rights of every Filipino),” he noted.

Meanwhile, the PAF highlighted its ongoing humanitarian and disaster response operations amid recent calamities, saying this remains its primary focus.

“As an AFP major service, we are committed to be a professional force, anchored on loyalty to the Constitution, respect for the chain of command, and steadfast service to the Filipino people,” said PAF Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, as he rejected calls made by former officers, among them retired Air Force general Romeo Poquiz, for the military to “intervene” and join the growing clamor for accountability in allegedly corrupted flood control funds.

“The PAF respects the rights of the people under our constitution and stands resolute to help maintain order and security,” Cordura added.

Amid political squabbles over allegations of corruption, the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded all its personnel to stick to their mandate that include upholding the Constitution and protecting the country’s democratic institutions,

The statement was issued after rumors of coup and destabilization attempts sparked anew in relation to the ongoing investigation into flood control anomalies, the recent was the video messages of former congressman Zaldy Co.

After the Sept. 21 anti-corruption rally, a handful of retired military officers were accused of plotting to overthrow President Marcos.

But for acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., policemen have no business meddling into political affairs as the mandate of the police force is to respect the rule of law and protect the people.

“Let me also emphasize that we in the Philippine National Police are not the savior of this country, rather, we are the protector of the Philippines, its people, its laws, and all the democratic institutions it represents,” said Nartatez.

While he acknowledged that some policemen may be dismayed by allegations of corruption, he emphasized the need for the PNP to be apolitical.

“We may have our share of frustrations and disappointments, but we are supposed to learn from them to make our country a better place to live in,” said Nartatez.

“Let us then focus on our mandate of respecting the duly-constituted authorities, upholding the Constitution, and serving and protecting the Filipino people. That is who we truly are as proud and professional members of the Philippine National Police,” he added.

Nartatez lauded the PNP personnel for their dedication and sacrifices—starting from the devastation wrought by strong quakes in Cebu and Surigao del Sur up to the recent two strong typhoons.

“As your Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police, I expect each and every police officer on the ground to exercise maximum tolerance and only use the necessary and appropriate force as a last resort—and only against those who have a twisted concept that violence is part of the freedom of expression,” he emphasized.

One of the rally attendees at the Quirino Grandstand was 44-year-old Rodel from Paco, Manila, who slammed the alleged rampant corruption in the government.

"Harap-harapan na po kasi yung garapalan ng mga nakaupo sa gobyerno ngayon eh. Kung sino yung mga taong dapat na tumutulong at nagseserbisyo para sa atin mga mamamayan at sa bayan, sila pa yung mga involved sa mga iskandalo tsaka korapsyon (The arrogance of those in government today is clear. The people who should be helping and serving us, the citizens and the country, are the ones involved in these scandals and corruption)," Rodel said.

"Nawalan na kami ng tirahan dahil sa mga palpak nilang proyekto sa baha. Andami na naming nasalanta gawa ng kapabayaan at pagnanakaw nila sa kaban ng bayan. Mahiya o kilabutan naman sana sila (We have lost our homes because of their botched flood control projects. We had already suffered enough because of their negligence and theft from the public treasury. They should be ashamed or embarrassed)," he added.

Another attendee, a person with disability (PWD) named Mark from Bicutan, said despite his condition, he and his wife chose to participate in the event as their way of standing up against corruption and fighting for democracy.

"Ginagawa namin ito para sa mga anak namin dahil para sa kapakanan din nila ito. Maybe this demonstration, kahit libo-libo na siguro kami ngayon dito, is still not enough to immediately make a change into the political landscape of the Philippines. But we still hope that this will be a catalyst for change for the betterment of our lives as Filipinos (We are doing this for our children because it is also for their own good. Maybe this demonstration, even though there are thousands of us here, is still not enough to immediately make a change in the political landscape of the Philippines. But we still hope that this will be a catalyst for change for the betterment of our lives as Filipinos)," Mark said.

"Gusto namin ng misis ko na masabi sa mga anak namin in the future na kahit ganito kalagayan ko, tumindig pa din kami laban sa korapsyon. Hindi kami nanahimik lamang at nagbulagbulagan lamang dahil alam naming mali na (My wife and I want to tell our children in the future that despite my condition, we still stood up against corruption. We didn't just stay silent and turn a blind eye because we knew it was wrong)," he noted.

More people are demanding accountability and transparency amid allegations of widespread corruption involving flood control and other infrastructure projects, advocacy group Democracy Watch Philippines said.

Citing recent results of the new Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, the group said data revealed deep public anger over corruption and the government’s perceived failure to curb it.

“Transparency, accountability, and public trust are essential to long-term growth and stability. Filipinos are no longer content with promises. They want justice and reform, and they want leaders who are ethical and accountable,” said Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit, President of Stratbase Institute and Lead Convenor of Democracy Watch Philippines.

“What the people demand now is drastic, substantial, and specific. There has to be full transparency in government procurement, stronger independent oversight, and real accountability for wrongdoing,” he underscored.

The SWS’ Surveys on Corruption revealed that 74 percent of Filipinos favor tougher penalties for corrupt officials, 71 percent support the filing of cases, and 63 percent call for full public access to officials’ Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs).

The same survey disclosed that 83 percent of Filipinos believe corruption is most widespread at the national level, and 73 percent identify senior government officials as among the most corrupt.

Two-thirds (66 percent) say the government’s anti-corruption efforts are “hardly effective,” while 77 percent of respondents in Mega Manila and 80% in NCR believe corruption has worsened compared to three years ago.

Manhit said the SWS survey revealed that the people are losing confidence in institutions that fail to deliver justice.

He underscored that corruption is not merely a political issue but an economic one, citing how unethical leadership and weak institutions discourage investment and weaken competitiveness.

“To think that a country’s economic journey is far removed from good governance is simply wrong. The two are inseparable; no economy can thrive where corruption thrives. Inclusive governance and economic progress go hand in hand. Corruption worsens inflation, weakens public services, and pushes the poor deeper into poverty,” he said.

Democracy Watch echoed the growing sentiment among civil society, faith-based groups, and the private sector that the fight against corruption must go beyond rhetoric and be backed by institutional reforms and visible accountability.

“The people are angry, and rightly so. Corruption robs us not just of public funds, but of the essential services and opportunities we deserve as citizens,” said Manhit.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) vowed to enforce the full force of the law against groups that will be part of potential destabilization actions during the November 16 to 18 INC protest rally against corruption at the Rizal Park.

DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla stressed that the department is one with the INC’s call for the people’s quest for truth, accountability and justice but insisted that ensuring law and order during the protest action should be maintained.

“Isa po lamang na paalala, ang paligid ng Malacañang ay mahigpit naming gagampanan ang seguridad para sa kalahatan (Just one reminder, the vicinity of Malacañang will be strictly secured to ensure the safety of everyone),’’ Remulla said.

He also told the parents to remind their children never to participate in any unlawful or violent actions that may be initiated by “Geng-Geng’’ and “gangsta’’ groups.

“Lahat po ng magpakita ng balak manggulo ay pagtutuunan namin ng buong bigat ng batas (Everyone who intends to sow terror will be meted with the full force of the law),’’ he added.