Universities, student groups back ‘Trillion Peso March’ on Sept.21

Several universities and student organizations across the country have pledged their support for the anti-corruption protest dubbed the “Trillion Peso March” at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on September 21, 2025.

The demonstration, led by church leaders, was organized in response to reports of anomalous flood-control projects, with some ?1.9 trillion said to have been spent on such programs over the last 15 years.

The protest also falls on the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law by former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the country’s current chief executive.

In a statement, De La Salle University warned that “unabated corruption and unbridled greed endangers lives,” pointing to ghost and substandard flood-control projects that have worsened disasters. 

The University of Santo Tomas likewise condemned the misuse of public funds as “a betrayal of public trust, a deep injustice to the poor, and a theft from those most in need.” 

Adamson University echoed the call, declaring that “while politicians and their cohorts wallow in unimaginable cash and luxury, our people wallow in flood and misery.”

These schools stressed the need for truth, accountability, and justice, urging both leaders and citizens to reject impunity and demand reforms.

Among the schools and student councils that have called on their communities to participate are:

• Adamson University  
• Ateneo de Manila University 
• De La Salle University  
• Miriam College 
• Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) 

Organizers said the upcoming protest action will focus only on the fight against corruption in government. 

While other groups may  join the protest action, its organizers reminded that the rallies will only focus on that single agenda. 

The gathering at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City at 2 p.m. follows an earlier rally at the Luneta or Rizal Park in Manila at 9 a.m. on Sunday. 

A total of 211 groups from the academe, church, civil society, youth and student organizations will participate in the EDSA rally. 

The Philippine National Police said it will be on full alert on Sunday and will deploy over 9,000 personnel at the rallies. — RF, GMA Integrated News