The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority reported thousands of demonstrators are already positioned in White Plains Avenue, areas outside Camp Aguinaldo, UP University Avenue, and Rizal Park.
The demonstrators, composed of students, activists, religious leaders, and members of civil society, were all calling for accountability and an end to corruption following the discovery of massive kickbacks and even “ghost projects” in the government’s flood control program.
At the People’s Power Monument, members of Akbayan and the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation, which includes Catholic and Protestant leaders, along with civil society representatives, are donning white shirts and white ribbons as a representation of unity and hope.
“Ang sigaw po natin dito ay pananagutan. Kaya po kami naririto upang ipaabot sa buong Pilipinas ang sigaw ng bayan. Walang pananagutan kung walang madadala sa kulungan,” said Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno.
In Manila, the protest dubbed “Baha sa Luneta” was organized by various organizations, including the anti-corruption group Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network (Tama Na) and the activist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), alongside other students and activists dressed in black shirts.
The MMDA estimated that over 3,000 individuals were present at Luneta as of 9 a.m. today, September 21.
However, the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) estimated the crowd to be closer to 13,000 as of 9:15 a.m.
Following the Luneta program, the protesters plan to march to the People Power Monument in Quezon City to participate in the ‘Trillion Peso March.’
A group of runners gathered at 4:30 a.m. at the UP Oblation to run to Luneta.
Another group commenced their run from Ayala Avenue to Luneta at 6:15 a.m., while biking groups convened at 6 a.m. at Quezon City Hall, Mall of Asia, and Baclaran Church before heading to Manila.
In Pasig City, the Tau Gamma Phi (Triskelion Pasig Council) initiated a motorcade kicking off at 7 a.m., and is already slowing traffic flow on major roads throughout the city.
Meanwhile, the militant Bayan said it will spearhead a march from Luneta to Malacañang Palace to condemn what it described as the “corrupt and puppet fascist regime” of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The group, which includes participants from various areas of Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Rizal and Laguna, said it stands in solidarity with the Filipino populace in expressing profound discontent towards the pervasive corruption within the government and the extravagant lifestyles of elected officials and their business associates.
At 10 a.m., the areas of Burgos Street and the intersection of Roxas Boulevard and Quirino Avenue to Anda Circle were closed to vehicular traffic to make way for the protesters
The MMDA advised motorists to find alternative routes to avoid the inconvenience.
As this develops, a Malacañang executive said that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is closely monitoring the ongoing nationwide anti-corruption rallies.
“Definitely, the President is monitoring because peace and order are needed, and the protests also need to be peaceful,” Presidential Communication Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a televised interview.
“That is why he didn’t proceed with his travel, so he can know and hear what the true grievances of the people are,” Castro added.
Mr. Marcos was initially set to fly to the United States today to participate in the United Nations General Assembly, but postponed his travel to focus on local issues.
