Organizers of the twin anti-corruption rallies set for September 21 in Metro Manila made it clear on Monday that the demonstrations are not about bringing home former President Rodrigo Duterte or seeking the downfall of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Fr. Albert Delvo of the Manila Archdiocesan Parochial Schools Association stressed that the upcoming protests are strictly focused on exposing and addressing corruption in government projects.
“This is about the fight against corruption. It is not included in our agenda to call for the return of former President Duterte to the country,” Delvo said in an Inquirer.net report.
Duterte is currently in detention at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, over crimes against humanity allegations linked to his administration’s war on drugs.
Two major gatherings are lined up on September 21: “Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon na Laban sa Korapsyon” at Rizal Park in Manila, and the “Trillion Peso March Against Corruption” at the People Power Monument in Quezon City. Both events are backed by church leaders, academic institutions, and civil society groups.
Delvo also dispelled speculations that the rallies were meant to destabilize the Marcos administration. “It is also not included in our call to hold President Marcos accountable and overthrow him. It’s not. We are also not organizing to destabilize the current administration,” he said.
The priest even acknowledged Marcos’ recent directive to investigate questionable flood control projects, praising the move alongside similar calls from Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines Student Regent Ron Dexter Clemente underscored the youth’s resolve to join the fight. “It is clear to the youth that this protest is to hold the corrupt accountable,” Clemente said.
