Photo by: Ted Aljibe | Philstar
Every November 30, Filipinos honor Andres Bonifacio — revolutionary, and a symbol of resistance against oppression. This year, his legacy echoed at Luneta Park as thousands gathered to protest alleged corruption and the gross mismanagement of funds. The people braved the heat, the crowds, and the efforts of the police to prevent their stage setup.
The choice of date was deliberate. Bonifacio has always been associated with awakening and collective action— and that symbolism was evident in this year’s protest. By protesting on the day dedicated to a hero who fought for dignity and accountability, the protesters sought to draw a line from past to present, insisting that the injustices Bonifacio battled have taken new forms. In their chants and placards, they framed the modern struggle for transparency as part of the same unfinished fight.
Echoes of Resistance at Luneta
Luneta has long been a venue for political expression. Its grounds have witnessed everything, from family picnics and vacations to historic demonstrations. This time, members of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Anakbayan, Kilusang Mambubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM), Manibela, and other coalitions came together to demand transparency and accountability from the government.
“Kailangan natin ituloy, because that’s part of the message. ‘Pag sinabing lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot, we believe na hanggang Malacanang yun,” BAYAN President Renato Reyes told GMA News Online.
The Road to November 30
The rally did not emerge overnight. It was the culmination of months of growing frustration that began to surface in late September.
On September 21, the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law, various groups staged protests nationwide. The protest laid the groundwork for public awakening by focusing on historical memory, abuse of power, and gross mismanagement. They revealed their dissatisfaction with governance, inflation, and worsening corruption.
Weeks later, another wave of mobilization came when members of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) staged mass protests, drawing attention to truth, justice, and accountability. This protest ended after two days, adding momentum to the calls for accountability that would culminate on Bonifacio Day.
By the time November 30 approached, organizers framed Bonifacio Day as the convergence point. Calls circulated on social media, urging citizens to take to Luneta and channel their anger over corruption and mismanagement into a unified expression. On that day, Luneta became a stage where history and present frustrations intersected.
Online Outcry
Across social media, people have been open with sharing their frustrations through memes, videos, and personal statements. The digital sphere became an extension of Luneta, where ordinary Filipinos have recounted how these projects and the inflation of goods have affected their daily lives. These posts often carry the same rhythm and urgency of the chants heard at Luneta, demonstrating that the demands of accountability are not just confined to the streets.
On X (formerly Twitter), Atty. Leila de Lima, human rights activist and former senator, posted that, “Hindi na dapat pinatatagal: ICAIC (Independent Commission Against Infra Corruption) Law at Open Bicam. Ikulong lahat ng kurakot!” Her sentiment reflected public frustration over corruption and stalled projects that affect everyday Filipinos.
Likewise, Anne Curtis-Smith, celebrity and online personality, also posted on the platform stating, “Kung hindi nyo po napanood ‘ung episode ng Showtime kahapon. Please take time to watch if you can. ‘Ung kwento ni ate Luna…she lost her 3-month old baby to the flood waters. Sa lahat ng kasama sa flood control na nagnakaw ng pera, I really pray that JUSTICE IS SERVED.” Her post highlighted the human cost of corruption, putting a face to the consequences of the projects left unfinished, her words reinforcing why accountability matters.
Power in the People
These protests are a reminder that the true price of corruption is paid by the most vulnerable, and that systemic rot within institutions threaten foundations of public trust and democracy. By demanding transparency and responsible leadership, the people are assured that public projects truly serve those they are meant to help—ordinary Filipinos whose lives are most affected by the failures of the system. The people deserve nothing less.
At the heart of a functioning democracy, is the right of suffrage—the power of every citizen to shape the nation’s future through their votes. Floods don’t wait, and neither should citizens. In democracy, as in flood control, inaction can be as dangerous as the storm itself. When sea levels rise and waters swallow streets, true flood is revealed: the entrenched corruption of those entrusted with the people’s safety. Truly, when it rains, it pours.