EDITORIAL: Glamour Grit

ON September 21, the spirit of People Power came alive once more — not through political machinery or partisan banners, but through a united cry from a nation tired of systemic rot. What made this protest different was not just its scale, but its soul.

It was a rally that saw beauty queens, actors, and everyday Filipinos marching side by side — demanding justice, transparency, and an end to corruption that has long bled the nation dry.

Front and center was Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray — draped not in a sash, but in the colors of the flag she has long represented on global stages. With dignity and quiet strength, she carried the Philippine flag through the “Trillion Peso March” on EDSA — not for glamour or applause, but for country.

Catriona’s presence was more than symbolic. It was a reminder that patriotism doesn’t end when the crown is passed on — it evolves. Standing beside her were fellow beauty queens Nicole Cordoves and Joy Barcoma, proving that the title “Miss Philippines” can also mean being a fierce advocate for justice, not just grace and beauty.

But if Catriona was the quiet storm, it was Vice Ganda who roared — piercing through silence with unfiltered rage and unapologetic truth. In front of thousands, the usually comedic icon unleashed a searing indictment of those in power: politicians who steal, officials who stay silent, and institutions that protect thieves.

His words, raw and unvarnished, mirrored the anger that millions of Filipinos feel but are too exhausted — or too afraid — to voice.

The message was clear: Enough.

Corruption in the Philippines is not a new issue — but its scale, audacity, and impunity have pushed the people to the edge. From phantom projects and overpriced contracts to billions unaccounted for in confidential funds, it is not just money being stolen — it is healthcare, education, safety, and dignity.

What makes this protest historic is its refusal to be dismissed as mere spectacle. The attendance of artists like Iza Calzado and Jasmine Curtis-Smith, and the mobilization of youth online and on-ground, signal a growing political awareness among sectors once seen as disengaged.

These are not just voices of dissent — they are votes, they are taxpayers, they are influencers of public discourse.

And then came the challenge — direct and unwavering: “Jail all the thieves.”

Directed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., it was not a plea but a demand. After all, power is not a privilege handed down — it is a responsibility entrusted by the people. And in a democracy, the people are not mere spectators; they are the employers.

To the administration: You are being watched. Gone are the days when headlines were quickly forgotten, and scandals buried under noise. Social media is a powerful equalizer, and the Filipino people have learned to wield it with conviction.

To the public servants: This is your wake-up call. The time for excuses is over. The clamor for accountability is loud, persistent, and growing. If you are clean, stand with the people. If you are complicit — your time is running out.

To the Filipino people: Keep showing up. The greatest fear of the corrupt is not prosecution — it is a public that refuses to forget.

This protest is not the end. It is a beginning.

“Para sa Pilipinas,” as Catriona Gray echoed — not as a slogan, but as a battle cry.

Because this nation deserves better.

And we will no longer settle for less.