21/09/2025
White Tide of Protesters Floods Streets on Martial Law Anniversary
MANILA, Philippines — September 21, 2025 The streets of Manila turned into a sea of white on Sunday as thousands of Filipinos marked the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law with a nationwide protest against corruption.
At Luneta Park, students unfurled banners for their morning rally “Baha sa Luneta.” By 9:00 a.m., chants of “Walang pork barrel! Ibalik ang ninakaw!” echoed across the historic grounds, where demonstrators demanded sweeping reforms: the removal of corrupt officials, the recovery of stolen wealth, and the abolition of secret government funds.
By early afternoon, crowds swelled at the EDSA People Power Monument for the “Trillion Peso March.” Church leaders and civic groups led prayers and speeches that tied today’s grievances to the country’s long history of fighting abuse of power. Police estimates placed the turnout at more than 15,000, with thousands more joining parallel rallies in Baclaran, PGH, and regional centers across the Philippines.
The symbolism was striking. Participants wore white shirts, raising their fists and placards as a sign of hope, purity, and unity. Many carried photos of luxury properties and jewelry allegedly linked to corrupt officials, using them as visual reminders of what remains unreturned to the people.
For protest leaders, the date was no coincidence. “Fifty-three years ago, Martial Law was declared to silence dissent. Today, we raise our voices to demand accountability,” one student speaker told the Luneta crowd, drawing cheers and applause.
Authorities deployed heavy police and MMDA contingents to manage the demonstrations, causing traffic slowdowns along Roxas Boulevard and EDSA. Despite the massive turnout, the rallies remained peaceful, with organizers coordinating closely with law enforcement to ensure safety.
As night fell, candles were lit at EDSA, symbolizing a vow that the fight against corruption would not end with one day of protest. “This is just the beginning,” organizers declared, promising more mobilizations until systemic reforms are won.
✒️: Rhea Jasmine Palma, Managing Editor
🖼️: Jezrylle Kaith Serneo, Editor-in-Chief
📸: Spotph.
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