Philippines September protests

Last updated
Philippines September protests
Part of Asian Spring
Date12 September 2025 – present
Location
Philippines
Caused by Political corruption in the flood control projects
GoalsTransparency and accountability in the Philippine government budget
Methods
Status
  • Widespread student protests across several cities and provinces
  • Upcoming large-scale demonstrations planned

The Philippines September protests are a series of widespread demonstrations in the Philippines, with upcoming protests mainly planned at Rizal Park in Manila and at the People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City, both within Metro Manila. [1] They involve several anti-corruption protests stemming from investigations into government corruption in flood control programs, involving both the executive and legislative branches of the Philippine government. The date coincides with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law in the Philippines. Several cities and municipalities across different provinces are also expected to hold local demonstrations.

Contents

The protests in Rizal Park are organized by various sectorial groups, including activists and students, while the protest in the People Power Monument is known as the "Trillion Peso March" and was organized mainly by religious sectors, mainly the Catholic and the Protestants. [2]

Background

Reports of anomalies in flood control projects, including incomplete or substandard work and alleged ghost projects, prompted widespread criticism of the government. [3] Public discontent grew amid calls for transparency and accountability in infrastructure spending.

The date of the rally, September 21, coincides with the anniversary of the declaration of martial law by President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1972, a symbolic choice for groups emphasizing democratic rights and government accountability. [4]

Events

September 9

In light of the allegations that Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero's benefactors are involved in the anomalous flood control projects, he was replaced by Minority Leader and former Senate leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, securing 14 out of 24 Senators support. [5]

September 12

A "Black Friday" walkout was held by thousands of faculty, students and staffs of the University of the Philippines, particularly in the University of the Philippines Diliman and in the University of the Philippines Manila. Over 3,000 from UP Diliman students, faculty, staffs and community joined the protests, making it the largest mass gathering action since the COVID-19 pandemic in the university. [6] [7]

September 13

On September 13, several groups marched from the EDSA Shrine in Ortigas Center up to the People Power Monument in EDSA to protest the alleged corruption in nationwide flood control projects. [8]

September 17

In light of the corruption in flood control projects involving the Philippine Congress, Martin Romualdez steps down as House Speaker. [9] He was replaced by Rep. Faustino "Bojie" Dy III of Isabela's 6th District with 253 votes. [9] The Palace noted that Romualdez will not be spared by the investigation into allegations of massive corruption in the awarding of flood control projects. [9]

September 18

Students from Bulacan State University staged a campus "walkout" on September 18 to protest alleged corruption in government projects. [10] The activity was joined around 300 participants, including students faculty members, youth organizations, and representatives from marginalized sections. [11]

September 21

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Map of the Philippines showing locations where major protests occurred

A series of mass demonstration around the country were held on Sunday, September 21.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon expressed his full support for rallies that condemn government corruption, responding to ongoing anti-corruption demonstrations. [12]

Luneta Park

The national park Luneta became one of the primary venue for the September 21 mass demonstrations. The activities around Luneta were collectively referred to as "Baha sa Luneta" (transl. "Flood in Luneta"). [13]

Protesters gathered at the Luneta Park on Sunday, in a program lead by the group Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (transl. "People Against Thieves and Abusers Network Alliance"), or TAMA NA. [14] Students from the University of the Philippines Manila marched to the Luneta rally. [15] [16] [17]

About 49,000 people were in the park by 10 a.m., according to Manila Public Information Office. [18]

EDSA People Power Monument

Led by Tindig Pilipinas, Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, Clergy for Good Governance, and other religious groups, protesters gathered the at the EDSA People Power Monument. The demonstration is referred to as the "Trillion Peso March". [19]

Other cities around the country

According to Oscar Oida, it was reported that there will be a demonstration at Plaza Independencia in Cebu City and a march from Jaro Plaza to the provincial capitol in Iloilo City. A rally was also scheduled at the public plaza in Bacolod City. [20]

In Cebu City, dozens of protesters, primarily students and the youth, gathered at Fuente Osmeña Circle in Cebu City at 8:30 a.m. before marching along Osmeña Boulevard. The rally lasted for approximately two hours. [21]

Similar protests were also held in Legazpi City [22] , Laoag City, Tuguegarao City, San Fernando City, Olongapo City, Baguio City, Pangasinan, Dumaguete City, and Cagayan de Oro. [23]

Overseas

Smaller gatherings were also held in cities outside the Philippines in solidarity with the September 21 protests including in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. [24]

References

  1. ↑ Sampang, Dianne (15 September 2025). "Sept. 21 rallies against corruption set on two Metro Manila locations". Inquirer.net. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  2. ↑ Chi, Cristina (15 September 2025). "What to know: September 21 anti-corruption rallies at Luneta, EDSA". Inquirer.net. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  3. ↑
  4. ↑ Salcedo, Mary Joy (2025-09-12). "Church leaders set 'A Trillion Peso March' on Edsa Sept. 21". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved 2025-09-15.
  5. ↑ "Escudero ousted; Sotto back as Senate leader". Inquirer.net. 9 September 2025. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  6. ↑ "Over 3,000 From Diliman Walk Out". Philippine Collegian. 12 September 2025. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  7. ↑ "UP expresses concern over corruption plaguing flood control projects". BusinessWorld. 12 September 2025. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  8. ↑ Nicol, Hannah (13 September 2025). "Citizens march along EDSA to demand action on anomalous flood control projects". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  9. 1 2 3 Tolentino, Reina C.; Maralit, Kristina (18 September 2025). "House Speaker Romualdez resigns amid flood control scandals". The Manila Times. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  10. ↑ Gatchalian, Ched Rick (September 17, 2025). "'Campus Walkout' Persists in Bulacan After State University Cancels F2F Classes". ABS-CBN News . Retrieved September 21, 2025.
  11. ↑ Valez, Freddie (September 19, 2025). "Hundreds join Bulacan students' protest against corruption and 'ghost' projects". Manila Bulletin . Retrieved September 21, 2025.
  12. ↑ Sampang, Dianne (September 21, 2025). "Dizon 'fully supports' Sept. 21 rallies vs. corruption". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved September 21, 2025.
  13. ↑ Sarao, Zacarian (2025-09-21). "Tens of thousands join anti-corruption protests in Metro Manila". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2025-09-21.
  14. ↑ Serquiña, Mariel Celine (2025-09-21). "Protesters flock to Luneta for September 21 rally". GMA News Online. Retrieved 2025-09-21.
  15. ↑ Sigales, Jason (September 17, 2025). "'Baha ng protesta': What to expect from Sept. 21 Luneta rally". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved September 21, 2025.
  16. ↑ Calucin, Diann (September 21, 2025). "Demonstrators continue to fill Manila; crowd swells to 50,000". Manila Bulletin .
  17. ↑ Baroña, Franco Jose C. (September 21, 2025). "Students, faith leaders join Luneta protest rally". The Manila Times . Retrieved September 21, 2025.
  18. ↑ Mangaluz, Jean. "'Impyerno!': From students to retirees, thousands rage at ghost projects at Luneta rally". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2025-09-21.
  19. ↑ Subingsubing, Dexter Cabalza, Kathleen de Villa, Krixia (September 21, 2025). "Biggest flood of protests yet under Marcos". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved September 21, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  20. ↑ "Venues of anti-graft rallies outside NCR on Sept. 21, 2025". GMA Network . September 19, 2025. Retrieved September 21, 2025.
  21. ↑ Erram, Morexette Marie (September 21, 2025). "Look: Dozens join anti-corruption protest in Cebu". Cebu Daily News. Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved September 21, 2025.
  22. ↑ Mier-Manjares, April (2025-09-21). "Thousands join anti-corruption protest in Legazpi City". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2025-09-21.
  23. ↑ Laqui, Ian (2025-09-21). "Sept. 21 rallies ripple across northern cities to Mindanao against corruption". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2025-09-21.
  24. ↑ "Ilang grupo sa Australia, nagsagawa ng magkakahiwalay na protesta bilang pakikiisa sa anti-corruption rallies sa Pilipinas". SBS Language. Retrieved 2025-09-21.
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