Third Trillion Peso March eyed amid 'tentative' corruption probes
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 9:50 a.m.) — Organizers of the second Trillion Peso March on Sunday, November 30, are preparing for a possible third nationwide protest, saying another mobilization is likely if government investigations into the multibillion-peso flood control scandal continue to skirt accountability for senior officials.
Kiko Aquino Dee, one of the organizers, said on ANC’s Headstart on Monday, December 1, that the group is “definitely” open to a third mass action if the current pace of the probe remains “tentative” when it comes to high-ranking officials.
Dee noted that while cases are expected to be filed before the December deadline, inquiries so far have centered on minor officials and contractors. He cited what he described as inconsistent signals from government on the alleged involvement of Speaker Martin Romualdez.
"Three weeks ago, the president (Ferdinand Marcos Jr) said there was no evidence. Two weeks ago, suddenly there was evidence according to the DPWH. Last week, the ICI seemed to be backtracking," Dee said.
"It’s a little worrisome when it comes to these big fish, the government seems to be tentative as far as their committment to investigating them, so if that sort of attitude continues, then it is right to have the third edition," he added.
Organizers will need to discuss their next steps but stressed they remain committed to continued mobilizations “for as long as the issue remains unresolved.”
Crowd estimate, protest goals
Dee said crowd numbers ranged between 30,000 and 55,000, though organizers still need to reconcile their estimate with the 5,000-person figure cited by the Philippine National Police.
He added that matching the size of the Iglesia ni Cristo rally at Luneta in early November was never a target, noting that INC has a "significant capacity for mobilization."
The second Trillion Peso March centered on five demands:
- Transparency ("Ilantad ang katotohanan")
- Forfeiture of stolen funds ("Ibalik ang nakaw na yaman")
- Jailing the corrupt ("Ikulong ang mga kurakot")
- Respecting the Constitution, including rejecting any form of military intervention in presidential succession ("Igalang ang Constitution")
- Ending political dynasties ("Ipanalo ang taong bayan laban sa dinastiya")
Dee said the organizers barred no calls for the resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Vice President Sara Duterte or both top officials, provided messages remained within constitutional bounds.
Invited participants included opposition lawmakers Rep. Chel Diokno (Akbayan party-list), Rep. Leila de Lima (ML party-list), and Rep. Percy Saldaña (Akbyan). Dee said they deliberately kept senatorial incumbents, who already have their own platforms as politicians, from dominating the stage.
On the main stage, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who is among the top taxpayers listed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue, addressed protesters, saying she fears the public's concerns will soon be forgetten.
Former chief justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, as a leading evangelic figure, led the interfaith prayer. Catholic bishops conference head Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David called for fast-tracked cases, while Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban hoped that the Advent season would serve as a "massive wake-up call" for political leaders not to compromise on the nation's future.
Former vice president Leni Robredo joined mobilizations in Naga as part of her duties as mayor. — Camille Diola
- Latest
- Trending
