Thousands Join ‘Trillion Peso March’ at EDSA

Thousands of Filipinos filled the EDSA People Power Monument on Sunday to join the “Trillion Peso March,” a massive protest that demanded accountability and transparency in government amid allegations of large-scale corruption involving officials.

By 8 a.m., the crowd swelled along White Plains and nearby areas of EDSA. Protesters honked horns and chanted slogans that echoed from both sides of the monument.

Civil society groups, youth movements, church leaders, and ordinary citizens converged with a single message: stop corruption and hold plunderers accountable.

Organizers named the protest after the trillions of pesos allegedly lost to corruption. Jean Enriquez, one of the convenors, said they wanted to provide Filipinos a platform to express their outrage.

She urged the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to remain impartial and called for visible prosecutions or convictions within six months. Enriquez clarified that they did not side with any politician but demanded accountability from all.

By 9 a.m., groups like Akbayan, Siklab, and Tindig Pilipinas marched toward the monument from different parts of Metro Manila. Reform advocates and political leaders opened the program with speeches.

Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno criticized alleged “ghost projects” and infrastructure kickbacks worth trillions. He asked the public not to accept political reshuffles as reform, declaring that Filipinos wanted true accountability.

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez resigned as House Speaker earlier in the week, replaced by Isabela Rep. Faustino Dy III. Dy promised reforms and appealed for public trust. Rep. Percy Cendana warned President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that rising anger could soon turn toward him if no officials faced jail time.

Actor Elijah Canlas spoke before Bishop Elias Ayuban celebrated mass with 2025 Ramon Magsaysay awardee Father Flavie Villanueva. Religious leaders led prayers as students and parishioners carried rosaries, Marian images, and protest signs.

Flood victim Ana Borbe shared her frustrations, while biker Jessie Santos urged unity against corruption. Even 77-year-old Joey Mendiola carried placards under the sun, demanding an end to abuses.

In the afternoon, groups marched to the EDSA Shrine before returning to the monument. Politicians, local officials, and civic leaders joined. Despite differing affiliations, protesters united under one resounding call: End corruption now.