Floodgates Open as Angered Filipinos Surge Manila and Quezon City

Photo by: Iñigo Luis Antonio A. Pasa

September 21, 2025—Tens of thousands of Filipinos gathered for mass demonstrations in Manila and Quezon City to protest the alleged corruption in government flood control projects—coinciding with the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law declared by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

The first rally called Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon na Laban sa Korapsyon began around 9:00 AM. at Rizal Park in Ermita, Manila. Organized and led by student and progressive activist groups, the protest featured key speakers including former Senator Leila De Lima, San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, and Former Bayan Muna Representative Teddy Casiño.

At around noon, thousands of Baha Sa Luneta protesters continued the demonstrations as some marched toward Mendiola near Malacañang, while others took a different route  to the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City  to join the “Trillion Peso March”.

In the mid-afternoon, a conflict emerged between the protesters marching from Luneta to Mendiola and the Philippine National Police (PNP) at Ayala Bridge which had been blocked by the PNP using a ten-wheeler container truck.

A group of masked youths then started hurling stones, bottles, and metal fences at the police—eventually starting fire to the container truck used as a barricade. The confrontation left numerous people, including some policemen and civilians injured and some severely hurt due to the situation.

Meanwhile, the second rally, named the “Trillion Peso March” started at 2:00 p.m. at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City. This event was the second part of the nationwide protest against alleged corruption and included protesters who had marched following their earlier rally in Manila. 

It was organized and led by religious and civil society groups. Key speakers included Cielo Magno, Heidi Mendoza, and Vice Ganda—with musical performances from Ben & Ben, Noel Cabangon, and others. Various government officials such as Sen. Risa Hontiveros and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan also attended the rally. 

In both locations, the clamour of Filipinos engulfed the vicinity and more with thunderous chants, cries, and screams—accompanied by creative placards and banners vehemently presenting the call for change and accountability from the government and involved individuals and groups.

As this week progresses, The Phoenix Publication is reminding everyone to stay wary of fake news that may be used as fear-mongering or chaos-instilling tactics. Plenty of unverified information is spreading across all corners of the internet and media—and it is our responsibility as Filipino netizens to not believe and spread misinformation that can cause current situations to worsen. 

However, it is also our responsibility to stand up against social injustices by corrupt individuals, groups, and government officials; let us not forget about each issue as soon as another unfolds. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay vigilant.