The “Trillion Peso March” at the Edsa People Power Monument on September 21, 2025 ended up as not only a call for accountability and action against corruption, but also a living display of the Filipino bayanihan spirit.
Thousands of participants—from church groups, students, workers, and civic organizations—gathered peacefully under the afternoon sun and rain, bringing food, water, and medical supplies not just for themselves but also for strangers standing beside them.
Several groups also distributed free raincoats to mobilization participants marching from Edsa Shrine to the People Power Monument.
Volunteers set up makeshift first-aid stations and community kitchens along Edsa. Young people distributed free snacks and bottled water, while motorists slowed down to donate goods to the crowd and blew their horns in solidarity with the protesters.
Some homeowners near the protest site opened their gates to provide access to restrooms and shelter from the heat and rain.
“I don’t know many people here, but they feel like family. If someone is thirsty, someone is handing water. If someone feels tired, somebody will assist,” said 62-year-old protester Marilou Santos, recalling the spirit of the 1986 People Power Revolution.
Students also played a major role in the atmosphere of solidarity. Members of different universities helped manage the crowd and protected senior citizens from being jostled.
Performances and prayers were punctuated by reminders to look after one another, emphasizing unity as the central message of the gathering.
The demonstrations were held on the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law during the first Marcos administration in September 1972.
