“Panagutin Lahat ng Korap!”
This was one of the resounding chants echoed by progressive groups during a protest march along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue on Saturday, September 13.
From the EDSA Shrine in Ortigas to the People Power Monument in Quezon City, demonstrators rallied against alleged corruption in government flood control projects.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, protesters demanded transparency and accountability in public infrastructure spending.
Among their calls: “Ibalik ang ninakaw, hindi ang magnanakaw!,” “Panagutin lahat ng korap!,” “We deserve transparency — no to ghost projects!,”
The groups condemned the billions wasted on unfinished and substandard flood control initiatives, which leave vulnerable communities exposed to recurring disasters.
They urged the government to launch thorough investigations, hold perpetrators accountable, and redirect public funds toward genuine, long-term solutions.
The march was part of a growing wave of public outcry.
On September 11, hundreds gathered at the EDSA Shrine for a similar rally, while on September 12, students and faculty from the University of the Philippines staged a “Black Friday” walkout to protest both corruption and looming education budget cuts.
Authorities in Metro Manila have been on high alert in anticipation of bigger anti-corruption demonstrations, particularly the scheduled September 21 rally, coinciding with the commemoration of martial law under the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. (Hannah Nicol)
