BUTUAN CITY – Citizens could not be blamed for joining the widespread protest against corruption in the Philippines, a youth leader said on Tuesday.
According to Butuanon youth leader Webster Montero, people could not be prevented from expressing their outrage through demonstrations, especially since the right to protest is enshrined in the Constitution. He stressed that political affiliation no longer mattered because Filipinos across the spectrum had suffered from the deceit of corrupt politicians.
Montero explained that rallies in the streets reflected the people’s growing frustration with widespread corruption. He noted that protests were often charged with emotion, which sometimes led to clashes, hence the presence of police at such events.
Meanwhile, another youth leader, Atty. Edracel del Rosario, praised the participation of young Butuanons in the protest. He highlighted that, although residents of the city were not accustomed to demonstrations, the youth proved their anger toward corruption in government.
Del Rosario said it was encouraging that young people had started taking an interest in governance.
“Kung sila na pod ang mahimong lider, kabalo mna sila kung unsa ang insakto ug sayop”
“When they eventually become leaders, they will already know what is right and wrong,” he remarked. He added that outrage over corruption cut across social classes, noting that both the rich and the poor shared the same frustration toward abusive officials.
While acknowledging that political loyalties continued to divide Filipinos, Del Rosario expressed hope that one day, citizens would unite under a single call—to end corruption in government, regardless of which politicians were involved. He also urged public officials under graft investigation to step down, if necessary, to ensure impartial inquiries. “It’s the people who voted for you who are asking for this,” he stressed.
Nationwide Day of Protest
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the Philippines witnessed a massive wave of demonstrations against alleged corruption in flood control projects, coinciding with the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law.
Thousands gathered in Metro Manila for the “Baha sa Luneta” rally at Rizal Park in the morning, followed by the “Trillion Peso March” at the EDSA People Power Monument in the afternoon.
Similar protests erupted in Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, Samar, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan, and other cities. Many participants wore white shirts to symbolize unity, while church leaders denounced the scandal as a “moral abomination.”
Organizers emphasized peaceful conduct, though police were deployed to maintain order in major rally sites.
