Rallies held nationwide protest corruption, commemorate martial law anniversary

Three separate rallies were held across the Philippines on Sunday, September 21, to protest government corruption, specifically concerning multibillion-peso flood control projects, and to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law.

In Davao City, a 'Citizens Rage Against Corruption' rally featured symbolic protests like a 'lechong buwaya' and a large crocodile cake, emphasizing calls for justice and accountability from politicians and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

In Cebu City, a pro-Duterte rally at Plaza Independencia called for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s resignation.

Additionally, a 'Trillion Peso March' on EDSA in Manila saw anti-corruption rallyists in a tense verbal clash and standoff with supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte.

A few Duterte supporters later engaged in a fist fight with rallyists at the EDSA protest, though organizers stressed the protest remained peaceful.

At Rizal Park in Manila, a similar confrontation broke out between pro-Duterte rallyists and other groups, highlighting divisions among demonstrators.

Civil society and church groups at the EDSA rally called for accountability in alleged P1.9 trillion flood control project anomalies and other schemes siphoning off public funds.