Filipinos Escalate Protests Against Corruption in ‘Trillion Peso March

A file photo from September 21, 2025, at the EDSA Shrine People Power Monument reflects the movement’s spirit.

Filipinos Escalate Protests Against Corruption in ‘Trillion Peso March

By Bing Jabadan & Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | October 10, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Enraged by a government perceived as “a den of thieves,” Filipinos are escalating their protests against endemic corruption in the country.

A coalition of over 80 civil society groups, spearheaded by the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation, has launched weekly demonstrations starting today, Oct. 10, 2025, in what is called the “Trillion Peso March.”

The protests will culminate in a massive nationwide rally on Bonifacio Day, Nov. 30.

Organizers are demanding a moral reckoning, accusing the current administration of presiding over “rampant graft that has plundered the nation’s wealth.”

The protests will feature noise barrages, candlelight vigils, and organized demonstrations in schools, offices, and community spaces, all aimed at exposing the depth of the alleged corruption.

Travel Ban Sought for Prominent Figures in Flood Control Probe

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) against a roster of prominent figures, lawmakers, and government officials allegedly implicated in anomalous flood control projects.

In a letter dated Oct. 8, 2025, addressed to former Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, ICI Chairman Justice Andres Reyes Jr. (Ret.) formally requested the ILBO, citing the commission’s mandate to investigate infrastructure-related irregularities.

The request names the following individuals:

Lawmakers:

• Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez Sr., Senators Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero and Jose “Jinggoy” Ejercito Estrada, former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Reps. Roman Romulo, James Ang, Patrick Michael Vargas, Juan Carlos Atayde, Nicanor Briones, Marcelino Teodoro, Florida Robes, Eleandro Jesus Madrona, Benjamin Agarao, Leody Tarriela, Reynante Arogancia, Teodorico Haresco Jr., Antonieta Eudela, Dean Assistio, and Marivic Co-Pilar, former congressman Florencio Gabriel Noel, former congressman Marvin Rillo.

Local Officials:

• Makati Mayor Maria Lourdes Binay Angeles.

Government Officials:

• Commissioner Mario Lipana and Marilou Laurio-Lipana, Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, Carlene Villa, Maynard Ngu.

DPWH District Engineers:

• Loida Busa, “Bogs” Magalong, Ramon Devanadera, Johnny Protesta Jr., and Arturo Gonzales Jr.

The ICI letter claims that these individuals are “inevitable personalities” in the fact-finding process, implying their potential involvement in the alleged scheme.

The commission believes that a timely ILBO is crucial to prevent delays and ensure accountability for those involved in the alleged fraudulent flood control projects, which allegedly “funneled vast sums into the pockets of corrupt officials.”

The ICI has also requested the Bureau of Immigration to promptly notify the body and other law enforcement agencies of any impending travel plans of the listed individuals, suggesting concern that they may attempt to flee the country.

The ICI is now working in cooperation with related coordinating agencies to uncover the full extent of the alleged corruption, promising a thorough investigation into what could be one of the nation’s largest scandals.

The issuance of an ILBO would require immigration officials to monitor and report the movements of the named individuals, effectively preventing them from leaving the country while the investigation is ongoing and ensuring they are available to face potential charges, an ICI official said.