The Trillion Peso March[1] is a planned series of mass demonstrations in the Philippines set for September 21, 2025. Organized by church groups, civil society organizations, labor unions, and political coalitions, the protests respond to alleged corruption in government flood control infrastructure projects.[2][3] According to reports, the demonstrations focus on allegations of massive irregularities in flood control programs, with some ₱1.9 trillion (US$33 billion) spent over the past 15 years, more than half of which was allegedly lost to corruption.[4]
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.[5]
Organizers
More than 200 organizations expressed support for the rally, including church groups, student organizations, and labor unions.[2] Political coalitions such as 1Sambayan and Akbayan joined the mobilization, along with the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation.[6] Organizers stressed that the protests were not intended to call for the removal of any specific political leader but instead aimed at institutional reforms and accountability.[3]
Event
Calls for the September 21 demonstrations were first announced by church leaders and civil society groups in early September 2025, who described the protests as a "Trillion Peso March" to highlight alleged anomalies in flood control projects.[2][6] Organizers made use of social media platforms and networks of parishes, universities, and labor unions to circulate information and mobilize participants. Practical guidelines for attendees were also shared online, advising protesters to bring water, snacks, umbrellas, and power banks while avoiding items that could be misconstrued as weapons.[7]
On the morning of September 21, the main program is scheduled to begin at Rizal Park (Luneta) in Manila, dubbed as “Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon na Laban sa Korapsyon” (transl."Flood at Luneta: Action Against Corruption") or the “Billion People March". It would be followed by a march to the People Power Monument along EDSA, Quezon City, in the afternoon.[8] Parallel rallies are planned in Cebu, Negros, Cagayan de Oro, Baguio, and Bohol, with overseas Filipino communities expected to hold solidarity actions.[2]
Demands
Protest organizers listed several demands, including:[2][6]
the arrest of individuals implicated in the alleged anomalous flood control projects
the recovery of alleged ill-gotten wealth, including luxury goods and vehicles
the enactment of stronger anti-corruption measures, including granting subpoena and contempt powers to independent investigative bodies
Locations
The protests are centered in Metro Manila, particularly at Rizal Park and the People Power Monument, both symbolic venues for civic demonstrations. Similar rallies are expected in several provincial cities, including Cebu City, Cagayan de Oro, and Baguio, while organizations of Overseas Filipinos are anticipated to stage smaller solidarity gatherings abroad.[2]
Response
The Philippine National Police (PNP) placed Metro Manila under full alert in the week leading up to the rallies, suspending leave for officers and preparing road closures near Rizal Park, EDSA, and other strategic sites.[9] Authorities stated that no specific security threats had been identified as of mid-September 2025.[10]
President Bongbong Marcos expressed support for the protests, saying he "might be out in the streets" as well if he "were not president". He added that he shared the public's frustration and encouraged people to demand accountability, while urging them to maintain peaceful demonstrations.[3]
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Armed Forces chief of staff Romeo Brawner Jr. responded to calls for the military to withdraw support from President Marcos by issuing a joint statement affirming the armed forces' non-partisanship and professionalism. They emphasized that the 160,000-member institution follows the Constitution and operates under the chain of command. Their statement came after a rally speaker urged the military to end its loyalty to Marcos and called for a non-violent "people power" movement similar to the People Power Revolution in 1986 and the Second EDSA Revolution in 2001.[3]
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