Students and youth groups walk out of classes as part of the Black Friday protest at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City on Friday, September 12, 2025, to denounce alleged corruption in government projects. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — The Philippine National Police is on full alert ahead of a massive anti-corruption protest across various parts of Metro Manila on Sunday, September 21.
Acting PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. personally inspected protest sites across Metro Manila on Saturday, including Mendiola.
He assured the public of police readiness during the conduct of the protests.
“No, no destabilization. Nakikita namin ito ay isang napakagandang activity or mahinahon or maayos na activity. But we are ready to have our security operation and corresponding responses to any eventuality,” said Nartatez.
He added that the police will implement maximum tolerance during the protests.
“Of course, lagi tayo nakikiusap sa kanila na ang pulis natin ay nandito to secure not only ourselves, not only yung community, but pati sila na rin mismo. Kaya natin nag-coordinate tayo para maganda yung resulta ng kanilang activity,” he added.
The protest, dubbed the “Trillion Peso March,” is in response to alleged widespread anomalies in government flood control projects and issues of systemic corruption.
As early as Saturday morning, private citizens began making their presence felt.
Students, workers hold Black Friday Protests as prelude to larger event on Sunday
Among them was Jemil Grijaldo, a former overseas Filipino worker, who took up position near the EDSA People Power Monument.
He waved the Philippine flag to the sound of honking horns from supportive motorists.
“Ito po ay boluntaryo na gawa natin at ito ay para sa bayan. Ang pakikipaglaban para bukas ay ito ay para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan,” Grijaldo said.
Also preparing to join his first-ever protest is businessman Bernie Lim Angeles from Quezon City.
Angeles said he will wear a white shirt during the rally, a symbol of his call for clean governance.
“Grabe, ang pinag-uusapan nating mga maralita is paano tayo kikita ng libo. Ang pinag-uusapan nila ay milyon at bilyon. Sobrang nakakilabot… Yes, kahit akong mag-isa, tingin ko isa rin akong sa boses, isa rin,” Angeles said.
Organizers are expecting thousands of participants to march and gather in various locations for the large-scale protest.
Some will begin marching towards Luneta as early as 7:00 a.m., while others will come from areas like La Salle Greenhills and Ortigas, converging at the People Power Monument by 1:00 p.m. for the main program.
“Nakita natin na lahat yung malalang baha naranasan sa NCR pati ibang probinsya... I think yung ganong galit din ang nagpapalabas sa mga tao,” said Francis “Kiko” Dee, co-convenor of Tindig Pilipinas.
AFP on 'red alert' amid protests against flood control corruption
EARLY PROTEST IN BULACAN
In Hagonoy, Bulacan, hundreds of residents—including church leaders and youth groups—waded through floodwaters on Saturday morning in a local demonstration against the alleged anomalies in the government's flood control projects.
WRAP: Bulacan protests vs. alleged corruption in flood control so far
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) issued a pastoral call encouraging peaceful participation in the protest.
The Church is organizing prayer rallies in various dioceses, parishes, Catholic schools, and civil and religious groups, especially for those outside Metro Manila.
The CBCP emphasized that the protest is not merely a political statement but a moral stand.
Organizers previously emphasized that the protests will be non-partisan and non-political, adding that they it only seek to express a unified voice against corruption, regardless of political affiliation.
Palace to protesters: Be wary of those with 'personal interests'
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