Rain or shine, ‘Trillion Peso March’ vs flood control anomalies persists

Metro Manila, Philippines - The erratic weather did not deter protesters at the historic EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City to air their grievances over alleged corruption in the government’s flood control projects on Sunday, Sept. 21.

Church, youth, and civil society groups led the action dubbed the “Trillion Peso March” to denounce the hundreds of millions of pesos supposedly pocketed by government officials and contractors from infrastructure deals.

The program started at 2 p.m. with fair weather, but rain started pouring before 3 p.m.

As the program went on, attendees raised their white ribbons to symbolize that justice has no color.

Opposition senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino were among the political figures present in the event.

Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines President Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David attended the event, as he prayed for accountability on the alleged corruption.

David did not mince his words in airing his dismay on the flood control mess.

“Ang taumbayan ay naghahanap ng konkretong solusyon hindi mga hungkag na salita. Hindi mga grandstanding. Hindi mga palabas na pulitika. Hindi yung walang katapusang delaying tactics,” he said.

[Transalation: The people are asking for a concrete solution. Not just words. Not grandstanding. Not a political show. Not unending delaying tactics.]

Celebrities also joined the rally, with “It’s Showtime” hosts Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis, Donny Pangilinan, and Darren Espanto spotted in the event.