Full Breakdown
Protests Against Corruption Mark 40th Anniversary of EDSA Revolution
2/23/2026, 6:18:13 AM
Overview of the Protests
On February 25, 2023, the Trillion Peso March Movement is set to hold an anti-corruption rally at the People Power Monument on Edsa, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. The rally aims to condemn government corruption, particularly related to flood control projects that have been marred by allegations of overpricing and embezzlement involving lawmakers and contractors. Organizers expect participation from civil society, church groups, and progressive organizations, with estimates of attendance ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 individuals.
Official Responses and Regulations
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has stated that calls for President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to resign are not considered seditious, provided that protesters refrain from inciting violence or chaos. NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo emphasized that while the police will monitor the protests, they have granted a permit for the rally, which is limited to 20,000 participants and does not allow for marches beyond the designated area. Over 13,000 police officers will be deployed across Metro Manila to ensure security during the event.
Background on the Trillion Peso March
The Trillion Peso March is a response to a significant corruption scandal involving flood control projects in the Philippines. The movement gained momentum following revelations of collusion among public officials and contractors, leading to massive protests in previous months. Despite concerns about "protest fatigue," organizer Francis "Kiko" Aquino-Dee remains optimistic about turnout, asserting the importance of providing a platform for citizens to voice their concerns against ongoing corruption.
Criticism and Opposition
While the NCRPO has allowed the protests to proceed, there are concerns regarding the potential for violence or unrest. The police have previously filed charges against individuals for inciting sedition during earlier protests, highlighting the delicate balance between free expression and public safety. Critics of the current administration argue that the government's response to protests has been overly cautious, potentially stifling legitimate dissent.
Conflicting Reports on Participation
There are discrepancies regarding the expected turnout for the upcoming rally. Previous protests have seen varying estimates, with organizers claiming participation numbers significantly higher than those reported by police. For instance, the September 21 protests drew as many as 80,000 participants according to organizers, while police estimates were lower. The upcoming rally's weekday timing may also impact attendance, as noted by Aquino-Dee, who acknowledged the challenges of mobilizing participants on a working day.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If the people have fatigue or not, the commitment of the Trillion Peso March is to provide a space, because the crisis we’re going through is still bad,” — Francis “Kiko” Aquino-Dee, Organizer
- “But if you can take the time to join us, I think it’s a big thing for us to deliver our message against the corruption in the government.” — Francis “Kiko” Aquino-Dee, Organizer
The upcoming protests represent a critical moment for civic engagement in the Philippines, as citizens rally against corruption while navigating the complexities of public safety and political expression.
