By: Abraham Reign Magbiro
Photo courtesy of Abraham Reign Magbiro and Layout by Maverick Rhoy de Vera | The LANCE
Thousands of Filipinos marched from Rizal Park to EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City, joining the nationwide “Baha sa Luneta 2.0” and “Trillion Peso March” protest, on Sunday, Nov. 30.
Several anti-corruption rallies and groups gathered to demand government accountability in the wake of a major flood control project scandal.
The protest began early in the morning with participants from all walks of life including students, church groups, and civil society organizations carrying banners, chanting for transparency and justice.
Despite the extreme heat, which caused several marchers to faint, the crowd pressed on while volunteers handed out water and encouraged each other to keep moving.
In an exclusive interview with The LANCE, Thea Trinidad, AnakBayan Regional Coordinator for Central Luzon said, “Organization is the mass force that chooses history. Nothing will change if we don’t move,” emphasizing the importance of collective action.
Fr. Jonas Jogohoy, a theology professor and Catholic priest, also shared his sentiments with The LANCE. He reflected on the normalization of corruption, saying, “There’s a level of tolerance now. Although people are angry, many feel resigned that nothing will change.”
Tensions rose when police detained three men for wearing balaclavas, citing a newly approved Manila city ordinance that bans balaclavas and other face coverings inside establishments and in public areas. The measure was signed by Mayor Isko Moreno on November 3.
According to the initial police report, officers approached the individuals after noticing their face coverings and brought them to the station for questioning.
Authorities are still confirming the men’s identities and investigating their possible links to the media group “Kilusang Septyembre Bente Uno” (KS21), a youth coalition and NGO that describes itself as “pro-accountability, anti-corruption, and pro-Philippines.”
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) deployed thousands of personnel to help maintain order, while Manila’s local government units (LGUs) issued traffic advisories and enforced road closures to ease congestion.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the “Trillion Peso March” concluded without any major incidents. He described the demonstrations as “very peaceful,” noting that authorities ensured the public’s constitutional right to assemble and voice grievances was upheld.
“It was the best outcome we could hope for,” Remulla said.
In a separate statement, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended police personnel for their professionalism and restraint throughout the event.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) estimated that the crowd at the People Power Monument along EDSA peaked at about 5,000 around 4 p.m.
This protest is the second iteration of the anti-corruption rally, following the initial demonstration held on September 21.