IN THE SPIRIT of Bonifacio Day, thousands of Filipinos hailing from various sectors renewed calls for accountability amid large-scale government corruption as a continuation of the “Baha sa Luneta” mobilization at Rizal Park last November 30.
The demonstration, initially scheduled for 9:00 a.m., began at 10:30 a.m. as issues surrounding the permit arose, with the gathering drawing an estimate of 3,000 participants.
Organizers described the gathering as a continuation of the momentum built by recent mass actions, including the widely discussed “Baha sa Luneta,” “Trillion Peso March” at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), which also received a second installation on the same day in October, succeeding the October 17 student-led mobilizations.
Student contingents from various universities marched early in the morning, many carrying placards linking Bonifacio’s legacy of resistance to present-day calls for transparency and public accountability.
The mobilization pushed through despite reported restrictions imposed by authorities, citing “no permit, no rally.” Manila City Hall stated that it had “no objections to the rally itself,” mentioning how organizers were advised as early as November 25 to coordinate directly with the governmental authorities with proper jurisdiction on the matter.
In an interview with The Bedan, Lance Alba, National Vice Chairperson of Anakbayan, emphasized their preparation for the gathering, stressing security preparations centered on ensuring a nonviolent gathering.
“In-ensure namin na walang karahasan on our end na mangyayari,” he said, recalling the tense September 21 mobilization where violent police response contributed to violent clashes. Alba noted that protests generally begin peacefully and only escalate “when the police start to be violent.”
He expressed disdain against the overwhelming response of the police during the September 21 protests, which led to two deaths as well as various arbitrary arrests during said mobilization, alluding to the police’s failure to exercise maximum tolerance.
“Lahat naman ng protest namin peaceful… it only turns ugly when the police starts to be violent,” he added.
In speeches delivered throughout the gathering, speakers called for continued vigilance in monitoring public spending, procurement processes, and emergency allocations.
Several youth representatives also emphasized the need for campus communities to stay informed and to translate outrage into constructive civic engagement.
Notably, David D’Angelo delivered a passionate speech that critiqued both incumbent President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, hailing them both as the same, as both are detrimental to the country and the Filipino people.
D’Angelo ended his speech with the following call: “Marcos singilin, Duterte panagutin. Patalsikin ang bulok na sistema ng Marcos at Duterte.”
The crowd also reacted to the Drug War case developments, particularly the recent International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to deny former President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release.
Alba also commented on the recent decision of the ICC, navigating the power that Duterte holds over the determination of justice in the case at hand.
“Ibig sabihin, walang kapangyarihan si Duterte doon… Pinapakita niyang may merit ‘yung testimonies ng drug war victims,” he told The Bedan.
He emphasized that the ruling validates long-standing calls for justice from families of victims of extrajudicial killings.
Despite logistical challenges and heightened police presence, “Baha sa Luneta 2.0” concluded without major incidents, as organizers described the protest as part of a larger, sustained effort to challenge corruption, demand transparency, and assert democratic rights.
For Alba and the groups he represents, the message is clear: the demand for accountability grows louder each day.
“Tinatakwil na ng mga mamayan yung korupsyon… hopefully, kumilos ‘yung gobyerno, imbestigahan nila ng mas masinsin, imbestigahan nila yung ebidensya…”
After the program at Luneta, the groups marched toward Mendiola but were blocked along Recto by state forces, who had set up heavy barricades. Demonstrators also toppled an effigy depicting President Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte.
(with Nicko Gabriel Dela Vega)