Trillion-Peso tempest roils Marcos gov’t

March to Mendiola Protesters from Baha sa Luneta 2.0 surge toward Mendiola on Bonifacio Day, their chants echoing through Manila’s streets as they demand accountability for alleged massive corruption. Students, workers, and civic groups converged at Luneta and the EDSA Shrine, swelling the ranks of the Trillion Peso March.PHOTOGRAPH by toto lozano and aram lascano for DAILY TRIBUNE

Richbon Quevedo, Ralph Harvey Rirao, Jon Develos
Published on:
30 Nov 2025, 22:59

March to Mendiola Protesters from Baha sa Luneta 2.0 surge toward Mendiola on Bonifacio Day, their chants echoing through Manila’s streets as they demand accountability for alleged massive corruption. Students, workers, and civic groups converged at Luneta and the EDSA Shrine, swelling the ranks of the Trillion Peso March.Photograph by toto lozano for DAILY TRIBUNE
Thousands of Filipinos gathered in major cities on Sunday, 30 November, to protest alleged large-scale corruption in government flood-control projects, marking the second wave of demonstrations dubbed the “Trillion Peso March.”

March to Mendiola Protesters from Baha sa Luneta 2.0 surge toward Mendiola on Bonifacio Day, their chants echoing through Manila’s streets as they demand accountability for alleged massive corruption. Students, workers, and civic groups converged at Luneta and the EDSA Shrine, swelling the ranks of the Trillion Peso March.Photograph by toto lozano for DAILY TRIBUNE
Rallies were held in Metro Manila, Davao City, and other key locations, coinciding with the 162nd birth anniversary of revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio.

The protests stem from allegations that nearly 9,855 flood-control projects, amounting to more than P500 billion, were overpriced, nonexistent or improperly implemented.

The issue gained national attention after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. raised the matter in his State of the Nation Address in July. Since then, pressure has mounted for the government to file charges against those allegedly involved.

In Metro Manila, demonstrators filled sections of EDSA — the site of the 1986 People Power Revolution that toppled Marcos’ father — carrying placards and chanting slogans.

So-called ‘nepo babies’ did not escape the ire of Trillion-Peso Protest participants at Luneta, where searing placards accused the privileged offspring of dining on stolen fortunes and basking in power built on other people’s misery.Photograph by toto lozano for DAILY TRIBUNE
At Luneta Park, participants displayed crocodile-shaped signs to symbolize alleged corruption. More than 17,000 police personnel were deployed across the capital for crowd control, according to police reports.

At the EDSA Shrine, various civic groups and individuals shared their grievances.

“We’re doing our duties as ordinary citizens of the Philippines,” lawyer Larry Azura told the Daily Tribune. “It has become an extraordinary duty because we have been silent for a long time.”

His wife, Noemi Azura, said those found guilty of graft should be held accountable “regardless of position in society.”

Snap elections pushed

Another group, the Truth and Transparency Trio Movement (TNTrio), composed of former government officials and IT experts, called for snap elections and hybrid voting systems.

TNTrio spokesperson Harry Francisco told participants that the 2022 and 2025 elections remain “a mystery” in the absence of clarification on alleged irregular data transmissions.

The protests drew a wide mix of attendees, from professionals to senior citizens to students.

Floro Francisco, head of the Seniors for Seniors Association Inc., urged an end to political dynasties and accountability for those allegedly involved in the flood-control controversy.

“We are here to unite… and we hope that our next government will be good,” he said.

Kiko Aquino Dee, a speaker and descendant of a prominent political family, said the rallies reflected widespread dissatisfaction.

“If the President is serious that he will spare no one, that means it includes his cousin, his own child, or even himself,” Dee said.

Some participants expressed deeper frustrations. Street vendor “Tatay Doy” questioned whether jail time was sufficient, citing cases where convicted officials later returned to office.

“They get jailed, then they get out again, then they run for office… and they steal again,” he said.

Lance, a student from Biñan, Laguna, said corruption has made it difficult for him to secure a scholarship. “The stealing affects everyone, even me as a student,” he said.

Marcos responds

In Davao City, around 200 rallyists gathered at Freedom Park along Roxas Avenue to air similar complaints. Speeches, songs and interpretive dances criticized alleged misuse of public funds. Personnel from the Davao City Police Office secured the rally.

Earlier, Acting Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II led local officials in commemorating Bonifacio’s birth anniversary at the Andres Bonifacio Memorial Monument, attended by government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.

Malacañang responded to public dissatisfaction by reaffirming its commitment to accountability but emphasized that investigations require time.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro cited ongoing efforts by the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice. She noted that filing cases involves reviewing “cartons of papers,” adding that several cases and arrest warrants had already been issued.

“It’s only been four months,” Castro said, referring to the period since the President’s announcement. “Assets have been frozen, vehicles have been auctioned… and warrants have been issued.”

Castro confirmed that President Marcos is prepared to appear before the Independent Commission on Infrastructure should he be summoned.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez compared the situation to the Priority Development Assistance Fund scandal, saying prosecution then took nearly a year.

The first wave of the “Trillion Peso March” took place on 21 September, which was marred by violence near Mendiola and the Ayala Bridge leading to the Palace.

Sunday’s demonstrations drew groups calling for electoral reforms, independent investigations and recovery of allegedly stolen funds.

Protesters dispersed peacefully at sundown, but organizers said the actions would continue until those allegedly responsible face charges and public funds are recovered.