Content creators Viy Cortez-Velasquez and Cong TV joined the massive anti-corruption rallies on September 21, 2025, aligning themselves with thousands of Filipinos who poured into the streets to demand accountability over the flood control corruption scandal.
In a Facebook post that quickly went viral, Viy admitted that she and her husband were hesitant to speak out, fearing backlash from their past endorsements. “Sa totoo lang natatakot kami mag-asawa mag post dahil alam namin na mababalik lahat ng galit sa amin. Pero mas okay na magsalita kesa manahimik!” she wrote.
Her defiant tone struck a chord when she added: “Hindi ko pagsisisihan na nasabi kong PUTANG INA NAKAW PA!” The post, which has racked up over 90,000 reactions, signaled a direct stand against corruption.
Cong TV, meanwhile, defended their right to speak up despite past political choices. “Pag ba magkaiba ba tayo ng sinuportahan nung eleksyon wala ng karapatang magalit sa mga nangyayari sa bansa? Sabihin niyo na gusto niyong sabihin. Pare-pareho lang tayong ninanakawan. Mas nakakahiyang manahimik kesa hindi bumoses.”
Protest backdrop
The rallies coincided with the anniversary of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s martial law declaration. From Luneta Park’s “Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon na Laban sa Korapsyon” to the “Trillion Peso March” at the EDSA People Power Monument, tens of thousands gathered nationwide. While most remained peaceful, some groups clashed with police near Mendiola, where a trailer truck was set on fire.
Viy and Cong’s presence placed them among the many celebrities and public figures now openly condemning anomalies in infrastructure projects, which critics call a “trillion-peso scam.”
Netizen reactions
The couple’s participation drew a storm of online debate. Some netizens supported their courage:
“But let’s be real: posting against corruption shows they’ve swallowed their pride and chosen to use their voice. This fight is bigger than ego,” wrote Ozelle Cardines.
Nini Perez echoed this sentiment: “Kung namumulat na sila, then let’s welcome them. We want people to do better now.”
Others, however, expressed frustration over their past affiliations.
Jerine Abrillo pointedly reminded: “Isa kayo sa naging dahilan kung bakit nakaupo ngayon ang hindi dapat maupo… Be mindful sa mga pipiliing suportahan kasi malaki ang effect sa’tin nito lahat.”
Another netizen, Luigi Caroline Soriano, warned: “Puwede kayong galit ngayon pero sa 2028, sana hindi na same trapos lang ang i-endorse ninyo.”
Viy’s reply
In the comments, Viy pushed back against suggestions to stay silent: “Ang pananahimik ay patuloy na pagsuporta sa mga buwaya at sa korapsyon! Tapos sabihin nyo manahimik nalang ako. No. Okay lang murahin nyo ako, magalit kayo. Basta ako mag dada ako dito sa FB!”
