Manila: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued a call to action for the faithful, urging them to join a peaceful gathering, the ‘Trillion Peso March’ (Day of Prayer and Accountability), at the EDSA People Power Monument at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
According to Philippines News Agency, CBCP president Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David emphasized that the gathering aims to serve as a moral stand rather than a political spectacle. In a statement released on Saturday, David described the event as a moment for prayer, solidarity, and action against the pervasive culture of corruption that undermines dignity, exacerbates poverty, and jeopardizes the future of the nation.
David encouraged participation beyond Metro Manila, inviting people to join prayer rallies organized by the church and civil society organizations nationwide as a show of solidarity. He urged caution against those who might exploit the movement for selfish gains and reminded national leaders that accountability should be pursued through due process while upholding constitutional principles and the rule of law. David stressed that the purpose of the gathering is to strengthen democracy, not destabilize it.
Furthermore, he called on members of the Senate and House of Representatives, along with those investigating anomalous flood control projects, to expedite their inquiries and ensure government contracts are executed with transparency and integrity, devoid of graft and corruption. David also extended an invitation to honest government workers to demonstrate that not all public servants are corrupt and that reform is achievable when guided by conscience.
In a similar vein, the Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD) echoed CBCP’s call for action. Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, ABKD chairman, stated that the Sept. 21 rally is led by a broad coalition of pro-PBBM and reform-oriented groups, including FDNY Movement, Liga Independencia (LIPI), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADEngDemokrasya), youth, artists, civic organizations, and local community groups. Goitia emphasized that the rally is a declaration of solidarity, standing with the President, the Filipino people, and against corruption, labeling it as the battle of the generation.
Simultaneously, concerns about the potential misuse of the protest were raised. Teddy Casi±o of Bayan Muna cautioned against individuals who might exploit the flood control project controversy for personal gain, highlighting that the ‘Baha sa Luneta’ rally is not demanding any resignations but aims to express public discontent over the corrupt dealings related to flood control projects worth billions of pesos.
Political analyst Ronald Llamas noted the expected participation of individuals who have previously abstained from rallies. He expressed surprise at the involvement of new participants alongside veteran protesters and expressed hope that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s initial actions regarding the flood control scandal would reach a logical conclusion.
The flood control project controversy came to light following President Marcos’s inspection of a project in Calumpit, Bulacan, where substandard materials were reportedly used. The Senate and House are currently investigating these controversial projects. Additionally, President Marcos has established the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to further probe the anomalies in these projects.