Cebu Religious and Civic Groups Launch Major Anti-Corruption Initiative
The Archdiocese of Cebu and the Cebu Anti-Corruption Coalition are mobilizing the faithful to respond to Archbishop Alberto "Abet" Uy's powerful call for transparency, accountability, and good governance. This movement emerges as corruption scandals continue to plague public officials across the region.
During a press conference held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, organizers unveiled the schedule for "SuPaKK: Sugbuano'ng Pakigbisog Kontra Kurapsyon," which translates to "Cebuano's Struggle Against Corruption." The mobilization is set for Sunday, November 30, with multiple activities planned throughout the day.
SuPaKK Event Schedule and Details
The day's events will commence with a Holy Mass at 2:30 p.m. at the Pilgrim Center of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu. Following the religious service, participants will join a Peace March at 3:45 p.m. that will proceed from the Basilica to Fuente Osmeña Circle.
The program will culminate with a rally at Fuente Osmeña Circle at 4:45 p.m., where community leaders and organizers will address the gathering. SuPaKK represents a significant coalition of 56 Cebuano organizations united against systemic corruption and government mismanagement.
Progressive Groups Join Nationwide Protests
Meanwhile, Cebu-based progressive organizations are preparing to participate in simultaneous nationwide protest actions on the same day. These groups aim to highlight public frustration over corruption allegations, what they describe as weak disaster response systems, and policies they believe have exacerbated recent flooding throughout the province.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, November 27, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Central Visayas, Panaghiusa sa Yanong Sugbuanon (Payong), and Kalihukang Sugbuanon Kontra Korapsyon connected the devastation from recent flash floods and heavy rains to long-standing governance failures.
Edward Ligas, Payong convenor, emphasized that progressive groups are encouraging public participation in the simultaneous rallies. Their activities in Cebu City will include a three-part program starting with a protest march from 9 a.m. to noon from Fuente Osmeña to Metro Colon.
At 2 p.m., a multi-sectoral program will take place at the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) Diocese of Cebu, Cathedral of the Holy Child, followed by a "Martsa sa Katawhan" or "People's March" at 3:30 p.m. returning to Fuente Osmeña for the culminating rally.
Broad Coalition Demands Accountability
The protests are expected to draw participation from diverse sectors including urban-poor communities, flood survivors, teachers' and workers' unions, farmers, youth groups, environmental advocates, transport organizations, church networks, and civic leaders.
Organizers pointed to what they see as evidence of systemic failures, noting that despite significant government allocations for flood control and drainage improvements, many barangays in Metro Cebu continue to experience overflowing waterways and damaged infrastructure.
The groups contend that defective or unfinished flood control projects indicate potential anomalies in procurement and project implementation. They also attribute worsening flood conditions to unregulated land conversion, quarrying operations, real estate expansion, and reclamation activities—concerns that align with reports from environmental networks and previous advisories from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The coalition's demands include calls for the resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, along with the establishment of a "National Transition Council" to oversee comprehensive government reforms and ensure accountability from both national and local leaders accused of failing to protect public welfare.
