Nationwide Demonstrations Mark Historic Bonifacio Day
Thousands of Filipino citizens took to the streets across multiple cities on November 30, 2025, combining their demand for government accountability with the commemoration of the 162nd Bonifacio Day. The synchronized protests represented one of the largest coordinated demonstrations against corruption in recent years.
Metro Manila: Epicenter of Public Outcry
In Quezon City, protesters led by Akbayan Party-list Representatives Chel Diokno and Perci Cendaña marched from the Edsa Shrine to the Edsa People Power Monument. The event, named the "Trillion Peso March," drew participation from numerous church and labor organizations.
Prominent political figures joined the cause, including Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and former senator Franklin Drilon. Representative Diokno emphasized that corrupt officials must not only be held accountable but also return stolen public funds.
Simultaneously in Manila, various progressive groups organized by Bayan gathered at Luneta Park. The protest faced initial resistance when police blocked participants from proceeding to Rizal Park, citing permit issues. Bayan countered that they had properly coordinated with Manila's local government and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
Massive Security Deployment and Regional Participation
The Philippine National Police deployed over 17,000 personnel throughout Metro Manila to maintain security during the demonstrations. According to PNP estimates, approximately 5,000 rallyists gathered at the People Power Monument while 3,000 assembled in Luneta Park.
PNP acting chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. explained that enhanced security measures, including concrete barriers and shipping containers near Malacañang Palace, were implemented following violent incidents on September 21. He assured that these precautions targeted only potential troublemakers, not peaceful protesters.
Beyond Metro Manila, protest actions were documented in Pangasinan, Quirino province, Nueva Vizcaya, Angeles City in Pampanga, Laguna, Cebu City, and Eastern Samar. More than 2,000 individuals participated in these regional demonstrations, echoing the national call for accountability.
In Cebu City, various groups assembled along the historic Colon Street, demonstrating that the demand for transparent governance resonated throughout the archipelago. The widespread participation across multiple regions underscored the depth of public concern regarding corruption allegations in government projects.
