Filipinos took to the streets on Sunday, September 21, to protest the widespread corruption in government, in particular the theft and mismanagement of possibly trillions of pesos for flood control projects, many of which have either failed to materialize or resulted in subpar structures that did little to stop deadly deluges across the country for years.
The two main rallies for the day were held in Manila and on EDSA in Quezon City.
A protester carries a sign during the walk from the EDSA Shrine to the EDSA People Power Monument during the anti-corruption rally, September 21, 2025. Michelle RoxasA protester carries a sign during the walk from the EDSA Shrine to the EDSA People Power Monument during the anti-corruption rally, September 21, 2025. GMA Integrated NewsA protester carries a sign during the walk from the EDSA Shrine to the EDSA People Power Monument during the anti-corruption rally, September 21, 2025. GMA Integrated NewsPriests carrying an image of the Virgin walk from the EDSA Shrine to the EDSA People Power Monument, September 21, 2025. GMA Integrated NewsVice Ganda is spotted during the rally vs. corruption near the EDSA People Power Monument, September 21, 2025. Joviland Rita/ GMA Integrated NewsQuezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is spotted during the rally vs. corruption near the EDSA People Power Monument, September 21, 2025. Joviland Rita/ GMA Integrated NewsProtesters wave a ‘One Piece’ flag during their march from the EDSA Shrine to the EDSA People Power Monument, September 21, 2025. Joviland Rita/ GMA Integrated NewsProtesters wave a ‘One Piece’ flag during their march from the EDSA Shrine to the EDSA People Power Monument, September 21, 2025. Joviland Rita/ GMA Integrated NewsActress Iza Calzado speaks at the rally at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City, September 21, 2025. Joviland Rita/ GMA Integrated NewsBishop of Kalookan Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David walks with the protesters at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City, September 21, 2025. Joviland Rita/ GMA Integrated NewsPeople fly LGBTQIA+ flags as they gather near the EDSA People Power Monument to protest corruption, September 21, 2025. Mary Ann MarchadeschUmbrellas went up as the rain poured down but it didn’t stop the protesters at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City, September 21, 2025. Michelle RoxasRain didn’t stop the protesters at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City, September 21, 2025. Michelle RoxasRain didn’t stop the protesters at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City, September 21, 2025. Michelle Roxas
The former, called the Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon Laban sa Korapsyon event, coalesced at Rizal Park in Manila and marched to Mendiola.
The latter, named The Trillion Peso March, gathered at the EDSA Shrine on the corner of Ortigas Avenue and EDSA in Quezon City and marched to the EDSA People Power Monument.
While the EDSA march was a peaceful one, violence erupted at Mendiola, where masked youths in black hurled stones and reportedly even Molotov cocktails at anti-riot policemen at the Ayala and Mendiola areas near Malacañang. Among those hurt by the projectiles were Super Radyo dzBB correspondent Manny Vargas and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) president Renato Reyes.
People gather during a protest denouncing what they call corruption linked to flood control projects, in Rizal Park, Manila, September 21, 2025. REUTERS/ Lisa Marie DavidPeople march during the protest in Rizal Park, Manila September 21, 2025. Mariel Celine Serquiña/ GMA Integrated NewsPeople march during the protest in Rizal Park, Manila September 21, 2025. Mariel Celine Serquiña/ GMA Integrated NewsPeople march during the protest in Rizal Park, Manila September 21, 2025. Mariel Celine Serquiña/ GMA Integrated NewsPeople march during the protest in Rizal Park, Manila September 21, 2025. Mariel Celine Serquiña/ GMA Integrated NewsPeople raise their fists during the protests in Rizal Park, Manila, September 21, 2025. REUTERS/ Lisa Marie DavidPeople march during the protest in Rizal Park, Manila. REUTERS/ Lisa Marie DavidPeople march during the protest in Rizal Park, Manila. REUTERS/ Lisa Marie DavidA demonstrator prepares to throw an object towards police officers during the protest, in Manila, September 21, 2025. REUTERS/ Lisa Marie DavidPolice and young rioters confront each other at Mendiola in Manila on September 21, 2025. DANNY PATAPolice and young rioters confront each other at Mendiola in Manila on September 21, 2025.Police and young rioters confront each other at Mendiola in Manila on September 21, 2025. DANNY PATAPolice and young rioters confront each other at Mendiola in Manila on September 21, 2025. DANNY PATADemonstrators clash with police officers at the Ayala Bridge, in Manila, September 21, 2025. REUTERS/ Lisa Marie DavidA demonstrator holds an object as police officers in formation shield themselves during a protest denouncing in Manila, September 21, 2025. REUTERS/ Lisa Marie DavidDemonstrators clash with police officers in Manila, September 21, 2025. REUTERS/ Lisa Marie DavidProtesters burn a trailer truck and a motorcycle as they try to cross the Ayala Bridge, but cops bar them, in Manila on Sunday, September 21, 2025. DANNY PATAA mobile patrol from the Manila Police District command arrests individuals including some who look like minors after the burning of a motorcycle and a container van at the foot of the Ayala Bridge on Sunday, September 21, 2025. DANNY PATA
Heavy rain also hit the protests, but the demonstrators were undeterred, as umbrellas and raincoats came out though many also allowed themselves to be drenched in the downpour.
The protests are the result of the controversies surrounding the flood control projects in which DPWH officials, contractors, and lawmakers have been implicated over the last several weeks. The investigations into the matter are ongoing. — BM, GMA Integrated News
