Cebuanos March against corruption: Thousands join protest

CEBU, Philippines — Thousands of Cebuanos marched through Cebu’s streets yesterday, September 21, to denounce corruption, political dynasties, and alleged anomalies in government projects.

The protest rallies coincided with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, which many groups invoked as a reminder of the dangers of abuse of power.

Sectoral organizations, including vendors, farmers, drivers, students, artists, teachers, and religious groups, gathered at Fuente Osmeña Circle for what was dubbed the “Trillion Peso March.”

 Marchers carried placards, chanted calls for justice, and tore up images symbolizing corruption in flood control projects, which they said had drained public coffers while leaving ordinary citizens in poverty.   “This is a fight for justice, a fight for genuine change, and a fight for the ordinary people who deserve to be heard. it is time to end the dynasty that has ruled like a saw, cutting through generations. Corruption must end—not only in flood control projects but in all sectors of government,” said Jaime Paglinawan, Bayan chairperson at the Fuente Osmeña rally.

 From morning until late afternoon, protesters marched along Osmeña Boulevard, Colon Street, and P. del Rosario before regrouping at Fuente Osmeña.

Members of Maisug Cebu led chants of “BBM Resign!” while progressive organizations such as Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM) Cebu demanded that all corrupt officials be prosecuted.

 Victor Sumampong Jr. of PLM said: “Convict them all and end the political dynasty. The corruption was not revealed by the President, but was exposed because of the disaster that struck our people.”

  “Lahat ng korap managot. Pag nanawagan ka ng resign specific kang BBM. May implication na pag nag-resign si BBM ay, by succession, si Sara mopuli. So, our group stance is convict all, at resign all,” said Teody Navea, chairperson of the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP) Cebu.

      Leading in the march is an improvised prison cell with “prisoners” clad in orange suits with nametags namely; BBM, Duterte, Alcantara, Romualdez, Estrada, and Villanueva, whom they tagged as the culprits of the flood control scandal that rocked the nation.

    “The flood control scandal culprits must be punished at all costs. The creation of ICI, their investigation must  not only hold the accountability of DPWH officials and contractors. But more so, on the root cause of this fiasco, the senators and congressmen,” said Navea.

    Navea lamented: "The recent creation of ICI must ensure that all culprits of the flood control must be held accountable and be punished. From senators and congressmen down to the DPWH officials, and contractors."

  The rally at Fuente Osmeña ended peacefully at around 6pm.

 Meanwhile, at Plaza Independencia, another group staged a separate rally that started around 3 p.m., composed mostly of supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte. They demanded the resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while expressing their indignation on the flood control projects and other forms of corruption.

 The key grievances of both groups include the alleged corruption in government projects, especially flood control infrastructure. These are tainted with anomalies, misuse of funds, possibly ghost or uncompleted works, and they demanded accountability from officials, contractors, or entities involved who should be prosecuted.

 Despite intermittent rain, demonstrators pressed on, raising the Philippine flag and some groups praying the rosary as they walked. The family of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro distributed free drinking water to rallyists at Fuente Osmeña and Plaza Independencia.

The Cebu demonstrations formed part of a nationwide wave of solidarity rallies demanding the resignation of President Marcos, accountability, and transparency.

No political figures (candidates, party officials etc.) were allowed to speak at both rallies at Plaza Independencia and Fuente Osmeña.

The Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7), had activated full security measures across Central Visayas ahead of the September 21 anti-corruption protest rallies, ensuring peace, order, and the safety of all participants and the community.

This initiative followed the directive of acting PNP Chief, Police/Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., to safeguard lawful assemblies while preventing disruptions to public order.

 PRO-7 personnel were strategically deployed in key areas, maintaining operational readiness and swift response capability. Close coordination with local government units, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and partner agencies ensures unified and effective security operations, covering crowd management, traffic control, and emergency response.

“PRO-7 is fully prepared to secure the anti-corruption rally. Our mission is to uphold the right to peaceful assembly while ensuring the safety of everyone in Central Visayas, " P/BGen Redrico Maranan said in a statement.

 With heightened vigilance and proactive measures, PRO-7 reinforces its commitment to Nartatez agenda of protecting the public, preserving order, and enabling lawful activities to proceed safely and securely throughout the region.(CEBU NEWS)