‘Trillion Peso March’ on Sept. 21 to focus on corruption —groups

The upcoming “Trillion Peso March” on Sunday, September 21, will focus only on the fight against corruption in government, the organizers of the protest said. 

According to Oscar Oida’s report on “24 Oras” on Monday, the protest will be led by various groups like Siklab, Church Leaders Council for National Transformation, Tindig Pilipinas, Akbayan Party, Kalipunan, at Nagkaisa Labor Coalition. 

“Let us wear white as a symbol of unity and hope. Sama-sama nating ipakita na di kailanman katanggap-tanggap ang korapsyon,” said Bishop Colin Bagaforo. 

(Let's all show together that corruption is never acceptable.) 

While other groups may join the protest, the organizers reminded that the rally will only focus on one agenda. 

“Hindi nasa loob ng agenda namin na pauwiin ang dating Pangulong Duterte. Hindi rin kasama sa loob na panagutin si Mr. Marcos o patalsikin si Mr. Marcos, hindi po at saka hindi 'di po ito ino-organisa para pabagsakin ang current administration. Absolutely no,” said Fr. Albert Delvo.

(It's not in our agenda to send former President Duterte home. It also does not include holding Mr. Marcos accountable or ousting Mr. Marcos, no, and this is not being organized to topple the current administration. Absolutely not.) 

But tension rose during the press conference earlier after a lady confronted a group of young protesters who were against President Marcos. 

“Hina-hijack niyo yung presscon,” Nilda Julion told the protesters. 

(You're hijacking the press conference.) 

Julion later explained that she called them out because the press conference was not all about that. 

But one of the protesters said that the placards they brought are a “legitimate” call of the youth. 

“Ito pong mga tinaas na panawagan ng kabataan sa likod ay panawagang lehitimo ng kabataan, yun ay pagpapanagot sa korap at tiwaling pulitiko, starting from the top hanggang sa pinakababa na mga sangkot at korakot ay dapat managot,” said UP Student Regent Ron Dexter Clemente.

(These calls raised by the youth at the back are the legitimate calls of the youth. That is to hold corrupt and crooked politicians accountable, starting from the top all the way to the very bottom. Those involved and corrupt should be held accountable.) 

The protest will be held in Luneta at 9 a.m. on Sunday, and it will be followed by another gathering at the EDSA People Power Monument at 2 p.m.

“Umaapaw talaga yung galit ng taumbayan. Malaki po ang Metro Manila kaya ang rallies po natin strategically located, Quezon City, Luneta, para kahit saan ka man may convenient po kayong mapupuntahan,” said Kiko Aquino Dee, spokesperson of the “Trillion Peso March.” 

(The anger of the people is truly overflowing. Metro Manila is big, so our rallies are strategically located in Quezon City and Luneta, so wherever you are, you have a convenient place to go.) 

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police will also be on full alert on Sunday. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News