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Thousands join Trillion Peso March II at People Power Monument
Philippines
Metro Manila
Thousands join Trillion Peso March II at People Power Monument
Thousands join Trillion Peso March II at People Power Monument
Published Nov 30, 2025 04:03 pm
Filipinos from various civil society organizations gathered at the EDSA People Power Monument on Sunday, Nov. 30, for the second Trillion Peso March, demanding accountability for alleged corruption in government flood-control projects.
Thousands of Filipinos under different civil society organizations march and call for accountability on all public officials involved in flood-control corruption during the Trillion Peso March program held at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on Sunday, November 30, 2025. The mobilization aims to denounce what organizers describe as worsening corruption in government and to urge Congress to finally pass the long-overdue Anti-Dynasty Bill, a reform intended to prevent political families from monopolizing power and draining public resources. (Santi San Juan)
Groups such as Akbayan Partylist, Partido Manggagawa, August Atom Movement, Liberal Youth, and members of Couples for Christ were among those who marched toward the People Power Monument to join the program.
According to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), the crowd reached over 5,000 people by 10 a.m., with more participants continuing to arrive throughout the morning.
Thousands of Filipinos under different civil society organizations march and call for accountability on all public officials involved in flood-control corruption during the Trillion Peso March program held at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on Sunday, November 30, 2025. The mobilization aims to denounce what organizers describe as worsening corruption in government and to urge Congress to finally pass the long-overdue Anti-Dynasty Bill, a reform intended to prevent political families from monopolizing power and draining public resources. (Santi San Juan)
A mass presided over by Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Bishop Pablo Cardinal David was held at 10 a.m., drawing additional attendees and setting a solemn and reflective tone for the demonstration.
By 1 p.m., QCPD pegged the crowd at around 4,000, noting that participants were still arriving for the afternoon activities.
Several personalities also joined the mobilization, including Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Akbayan Representative Chel Diokno, Senator Bam Aquino, and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.
“Tangan ang diwa ng Katipunan, punitin natin ang sedula ng korapsyon. Kailangang manindigan, kumilos, lumabas dahil ang pinakamainam na pangsangga sa pang-aabuso ay ang taumbayang nananagawan, naninindigan, kumikilos (Holding to the spirit of the Katipunan, let us tear up the cedula of corruption. We must stand up, take action, and come out because the best defense against abuse is a united people who stand up, take action, and act),” Senator Pangilinan said in a social media post.
During the program, Akbayan President Rafaela David delivered the Unity Statement for the Trillion Peso March, invoking Andres Bonifacio’s vision and urging Filipinos to resist political monopolies.
“Pinangarap ni Bonifacio na magtatag ng isang haring bayan, isang malayang pamahalaan na ang mamamahala ay bayan sa bayan at hindi ang isa o dalawang taong lamang (Bonifacio dreamed of establishing a people's king, an independent government ruled by the people and not by just one or two people),”David said.
She called on Filipinos to awaken the spirit of heroism.
“Kaya ang aming imbitasyon sa bawat Pilipinong nandito na tumitindig, gisingin natin ang diwa ng kabayanihan at tuldukan ang korapsyon, tuldukan ang pag hari-harian ng iilang pamilya sa ating pamahalaan (So our invitation to every Filipino here who stands up, let's awaken the spirit of heroism and put an end to corruption, put an end to the domination of a few families in our government),” David said.
She also renewed Akbayan’s call to pass long-overdue reforms aimed at dismantling political dynasties and strengthening government transparency.
“Ipasa na ang Anti-Dynasty Bill, baguhin natin ang sistema na hinayaang maging family business ang pamumuno sa pamahalaan (Pass the Anti-Dynasty Bill, let's change the system that allows government leadership to become a family business),” she said.
Beyond the anti-dynasty measure, David highlighted other key reforms.
“Bukod dito, repormahin din ang partylist system na ginawang back door ng mga pamilya para ikutan ang term limits (Apart from that, also reform the partylist system, which has been used as a back door by families to circumvent term limits),” she said.
“Ipasa din ang Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption Bill… na magsisigurong may ngipin ang imbestigasyon (Also pass the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption Bill… which will ensure that the investigation has teeth),”she added.
David also pushed for freedom of information and transparency measures:
“Isabay na rin ang pagpasa ng Freedom of Information Bill at iba pang mahahalagang batas (The Freedom of Information Bill and other important laws will also be passed simultaneously),” she said.
Organizers said the mobilization sought to highlight what they call “worsening corruption” within government systems, particularly involving flood-mitigation projects.