Naga joins clamor in Trillion-Peso March

By Ryan Mostar

EDSA was once again the stage for mass protest on September 21, as tens of thousands filled the avenue for what was called the “Trillion-Peso March.” The date was no accident: September 21 has long been remembered as the day Martial Law was declared, and demonstrators drew a clear line between the abuses of the past and today’s mounting allegations of corruption and wasteful spending.

In Metro Manila, placards, chants, and public programs led by civic, church, student, and celebrity groups filled the streets. The familiar stretch of EDSA — remembered for people power uprisings — became the rallying ground for Filipinos demanding transparency and accountability over funds said to run into the trillions.

The call resonated in Naga City as well. At Plaza Rizal, local organizations and advocates staged their own gathering, joining the nationwide outcry against corruption. The rally combined remembrance of Martial Law with urgent calls for transparency today, showing that the issues stirring outrage in the capital are deeply felt in the regions too.

Plaza Rizal has long been more than just a landmark. It has witnessed countless civic assemblies, and the September 21 demonstration added another layer to that history. Speeches, performances, and symbolic gestures tied the struggles of the past to the frustrations of the present, drawing a crowd that cut across students, activists, and ordinary citizens who simply wanted their voices heard.

Organizers have also announced a follow-up activity on September 25 at the Basilica grounds. Framed as a prayer rally, the gathering will bring together students, church groups, and advocates who wish to continue the spirit of the Trillion-Peso March in a more reflective setting.

From EDSA to Naga, the message was unmistakable: corruption and mismanagement are national issues, and Filipinos in every corner of the country are ready to speak up. The Trillion-Peso March showed that the demand for accountability is no longer just a whisper — it is a chorus, and it is growing louder.