MANILA – Flood indeed happened on Sept. 21 in Luneta after people from all walks of life came to express their outrage over multi-million peso corruption under the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 

They brought along with them placards they made bearing calls, “Flood control, hindi fund control, magnanakaw” “Wag tayong makalimot para sa ating sintang Bayan!” “Hustisya para sa aming bayang Hagonoy! Sawa na kami sa baha! Panagutin ang may sala!” 

In a statement, umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said at least 100,000 people joined the protest which started at 6:00 a.m. 

“We are inspired by the creative activism of the youth who led their delegations from various schools and communities. We marched with flood victims, the urban poor, farmers, workers, and ordinary Filipinos who are united in condemning the entrenched corruption in the bureaucracy. We thank all those who volunteered and showed solidarity which made the protest a huge success,” Bayan said in a statement. 

Sept. 21 also marks the 53rd year of Ferdinand Marcos Sr’s imposition of martial law.

Photos by Carlo Manalansan/Bulatlat

In a statement, human rights group Karapatan said these protests “highlighted the people’s disgust at the persistent plunder of nation’s coffers by bureaucrat capitalists, the fascist attacks against the people and the de facto martial law in the countryside, and the puppetry of those in power to US and other foreign interests – the very same realities during Marcos Sr.’s dictatorial rule, which are now in full display during Marcos Jr.’s presidency.” 

‘Hold all liable accountable’  

In her speech, artist and activist Mae Paner challenged the crowd to continue standing against corruption and not let those who are liable get away from accountability. 

Meanwhile, ML Partylist Rep. Leila De Lima said called the flood control project contriversy “the biggest corruption in Philippine history.”

“Pag-alabin natin ang ating mga galit at huwag hahayaang magamit sa mga may interes na personal. Isa dyan si Sara Duterte,” said De Lima, to which the people responded with, “Ikulong!” or jail her. (Let us ignite our anger and not allow it to be used by those with personal interests. One of them is Sara Duterte.)

ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. Antonio Tinio meanwhile said that Marcos Jr himself also benefited from the contractors who contributed for the 2022 presidential campaign. 

According to an investigation by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, Marcos Jr received P20 million in campaign funds from Rodulfo Hilot Jr, owner of Zamboanga del Sur-based Rudhil Construction & Enterprises Inc., and P1 million from Jonathan Quirante, owner of Cebu-based Quirante Construction Corp.

Photos by Carlo Manalansan/Bulatlat

PCIJ said a provision in the Omnibus Election Code prohibits those seeking public office from accepting donations from entities that do business with the government. 

Personalities attending the Luneta rally also expressed their outrage. 

Actor Tessie Tomas said  the country had faced the same issue in the 1970s.

Angel Aquino said they also protested against corruption during her years in university in Baguio, noting that corruption is worse today.

Jodi Sta. Maria meanwhile said they are standing up against corruption not only for themselves but for the next generations.

Maris Racal and Andrea Brillantes were also seen at the Luneta rally. 

Progressive groups meanwhile marched towards Mendiola by 1 p.m., where they ended their program. 

“Our program will end here in Mendiola but our protests will continue,” said Bayan secretary-general Raymond Palatino. 

He also honored those who were martyred during the martial law of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Similar protests were held in other parts of the country including Cebu, Cagayan De Oro as well as on EDSA in the afternoon of Sept. 21.

These protests were also attended by thousands. (JDS)