The Archdiocese of Manila and Caritas Philippines have encouraged priests, religious, and laypeople to join the procession while maintaining a peaceful demeanor
Newsroom (18/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) The Catholic Church in the Philippines has issued a call to action, urging citizens and the faithful to join the “Trillion Peso March,” a massive, peaceful demonstration against corruption set for Sunday, September 21, 2025. The date marks the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law by former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the current president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The march, centered at the People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City—a site synonymous with the nation’s democratic struggles—aims to channel widespread public outrage into a unified demand for truth, justice, and accountability.
A Cry for Justice Rooted in Faith
The initiative, driven by Catholic and Protestant leaders alongside civil society groups, is framed as both an act of civic responsibility and a moral imperative. Clergymen leading the charge emphasize that the march is a stand against systemic corruption that has siphoned off billions in public funds, particularly those allocated for flood prevention. The demonstration draws its name from staggering estimates by Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, who suggested that an ongoing anti-corruption investigation could uncover losses amounting to trillions of pesos—funds meant to protect vulnerable communities from natural disasters.
Caritas Philippines President Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan has called on Catholics nationwide to participate, framing the march as a collective act of faith and conscience. “This is not just a protest; it is a pilgrimage for justice,” Bagaforo declared in a statement. “We march to demand that the resources meant for our people are not plundered by greed.”
In a poignant pastoral letter, Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos of Antipolo reflected on the historical weight of the chosen date. “On the solemn day of September 21, 2025, we will gather not only in remembrance but in righteous resolve,” he wrote. “Fifty-three years will have passed since Martial Law was declared—a time that wounded our nation’s soul.” He invoked the spirit of the 1986 People Power Revolution, urging young Filipinos to rise “not in violence, but in truth,” and pledged to stand with them “in spirit and prayer.”
Echoes of Martial Law and Modern Discontent
The date of the march carries deep historical significance. On September 21, 1972, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared martial law, citing threats from communist and Islamic insurgencies. The period that followed saw the shuttering of major newspapers, the arrest of journalists on subversion charges, and the abolition of the Philippine Congress. Human rights organizations later documented hundreds of enforced disappearances, thousands of extrajudicial killings, and widespread torture and imprisonment.
Archbishop Ruperto Cruz Santos connected the current crisis to this dark chapter, condemning the mismanagement of public funds as a betrayal of the nation’s most vulnerable. “The billions of pesos stolen from flood control projects are not mere figures; they represent stolen homes, drowned crops, and shattered futures,” he said. “These are sins against the poor, against the nation, and against God.” Yet, he cautioned young protesters to remain peaceful, urging, “Let your voices thunder, and your hands stay clean. Do not let anger consume you.”
A Multi-Faceted Movement
The main rally at the People Power Monument will be complemented by a second demonstration at Luneta Park in Manila, led by student and youth movements. The National Transformation Council Church, alongside Catholic and Protestant leaders and various NGOs, has also pledged participation. Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. of Cubao emphasized the Christian duty to act, stating, “As Christians, we cannot remain indifferent. Let our voices against corruption be heard.”
The Archdiocese of Manila and Caritas Philippines have encouraged priests, religious, and laypeople to join the procession while maintaining a peaceful demeanor. Fr. Jerome Secillano, rector of the EDSA Shrine, clarified that the accompanying Mass should focus on prayer rather than protest. “We do not want the Mass to have the tone of protest, as it may alienate those who only wish to pray in peace,” he said. “Together, let us humbly beg the Lord to guide us in doing noble things for our country, which we deeply love.”
Rising Tensions and Social Media Amplification
Tensions have escalated in recent days, fueled by social media campaigns and public revelations. The hashtag #NepoBaby has gained traction, drawing parallels to Nepal’s youth-led movement that toppled a government perceived as corrupt and out of touch. In the Philippines, the term critiques the dynastic nature of politics, exemplified by figures like Martin Romualdez, cousin of President Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker, who resigned just two weeks after the Senate president amid mounting pressure.
A group of influencers and online personalities has formed “Creators Against Corruption,” aiming to transform social media into a platform for political action. Public fury was further inflamed by images circulating online of cash piles on desks at the Department of Public Works and Highways. This followed testimony before the Senate by Pacifico and Sarah Discaya, owners of a construction company, who alleged they were coerced into paying bribes of up to 25 percent to lawmakers to secure contracts. A government audit revealed that 545 billion pesos (approximately US$9.5 billion) had been spent on nearly 10,000 flood control projects since 2022, with significant portions unaccounted for.
Security Measures and Political Context
The national police have announced the deployment of over 50,000 officers across the capital to ensure security during the demonstrations. The government’s response has been closely watched, particularly as President Marcos Jr. opted to skip the United Nations General Assembly in New York to focus on the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s anti-corruption probe. The Philippines is also vying for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027-28 term, adding international scrutiny to the unfolding events.
A Nation at a Crossroads
The “Trillion Peso March” represents a critical juncture for the Philippines, where historical grievances and contemporary frustrations converge. The Catholic Church, leveraging its moral authority and deep societal influence, seeks to galvanize a movement that transcends political divides. As Bishop Santos aptly summarized, “This is a call to heal our nation’s soul, to reclaim what has been stolen, and to rebuild a future rooted in justice.”
As Sunday approaches, the nation braces for a demonstration that could reshape its political landscape, driven by a coalition of faith, youth, and civic resolve. Whether the march will spark lasting change or deepen existing tensions remains to be seen, but its message is clear: the Filipino people demand accountability, and they will not be silenced.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Asianews.it
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