‘Trillion Peso March’: A New Generation of Filipinos is Rising Against Corruption

Tens of thousands of Filipinos poured onto the rain-soaked streets of Metro Manila and other major cities to denounce what many are calling one of the worst corruption scandals in years – the alleged misuse of trillions of pesos in government flood-control projects.

Dressed in black and white, the demonstrators dubbed the movement the ‘Trillion Peso March.’ 

The protest, which took place on September 21, was deliberately timed to coincide with the 53^rd anniversary of Ferdinand Marcos Sr’s declaration of martial law in 1972..

The symbolism ran deep. Crowds gathered at Rizal Park, where national hero Jose Rizal was executed in 1896, and at the People Power Monument along EDSA – the historic site of the 1986 uprising that toppled Marcos Sr. Organizers said the choice of venues was deliberate – a reminder of the country’s history of collective action against abuse of power.

The nationwide demonstrations were organized by church groups, labor unions, and student organizations, with many of the younger Gen Z protestors inspired by recent waves of anti-corruption protests in Indonesia and Nepal.

Despite the Philippines’ economic growth, many young Filipinos remain deeply frustrated – disillusioned by the slow trickle down of wealth, the lack of job opportunities, and the constant cycle of corruption scandals in government. This generation, more digitally savvy and politically aware than any before it, rallied using AI-generated photos and viral videos across TikTok, Facebook, and Reddit. Virtual rallies were also held on Roblox, and 19 government websites were defaced by hackers.

By afternoon, nearly 100,000 people had gathered in Manila. Protestors carried cardboard placards condemning graft, chanting, ‘Ikulong ‘yan, mga kurakot!’ (‘Jail the corrupt!’) Some brought inflatable crocodiles – long-time symbols of greed – while others waved the straw hat Jolly Roger from the manga series One Piece, a new Gen Z emblem of resistance that has swept youth movements across Asia. 

Local celebrities including former Miss Universe Catriona Gray and comedian Vice Ganda joined the crowd, urging President Marcos Jr. to take decisive action against corrupt officials. Cardinal David addressed the rally, declaring that, ‘it is not too late’ for government to redeem itself. Others used the platform to address ongoing political issues like the rivalry between the Marcos and Duterte political dynasties – whose long-running feud highlights the nation’s political dysfunction. There were also prayers, poetry recitals and music from live bands in a loud and defiant atmosphere. 

At the heart of public outrage is the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – the agency responsible for the nation’s flood-control infrastructure. Investigations have revealed that more than 9,500 projects, valued at over P545 billion ($9.5 billion), were riddled with massive irregularities. Officials estimate that more than half of those funds may have been lost to corruption or so-called ‘ghost projects.’

Flooding, a deadly and recurring threat in a country battered by around 20 typhoons each year, has made the scandal especially bitter. Substandard – and in many cases, entirely non-existent – flood defenses have left millions of Filipinos vulnerable to rising waters.

Social media outrage intensified after images circulated online showing luxury vehicles – including Rolls-Royces, Lamborghinis, and Bentleys – parked in the basement garage of offices owned by contractors linked to the projects. Their children, derisively labeled ‘nepo babies’ hastily deleted Instagram posts flaunting private jets, designer handbags, and lavish vacations as anger mounted online.

Over 50,000 police officers were deployed nationwide to maintain order. Despite organizers calls for peaceful action, unrest broke out.

A semi-trailer truck was set ablaze as youths hurled rocks and bottles at police lines. As night fell, clashes turned violent near Mendiola where a branch of Hotel Sogo was ransacked. The violence left 39 officers and dozens of protestors injured. Police later reported they had made 216 arrests, and confirmed two civilians died. 

In the aftermath, organizers were quick to condemn the violence, but emphasized their demands remain clear: Jail the lawmakers, DPWH officials, and contractors implicated in the scandal. Beyond that, many are calling for systemic reforms. While previous movements for change have fizzled out, recurring flooding in communities during each monsoon season suggest this scandal might not be so easily forgotten.

The movements leadership announced the creation of the Trillion Peso March Movement vowing to continue the fight. Another nationwide rally has already been scheduled for November 30, Bonifacio Day.

For many – especially young Filipinos – the march was not the end. It was, as one banner declared, ‘the end of the beginning.’