Massive Peaceful Protest Against Corruption
An estimated 10,000 protesters filled the streets of Cebu City on Sunday, November 30, 2025, responding to the Catholic Church's call for a moral stand against systemic corruption. The historic demonstration, organized under the banner Sugboanong Pakigbisog Kontra Korapsyon (SuPaKK), represented one of the largest anti-corruption gatherings in recent Visayas history.
Religious Leadership and Community Unity
Archbishop Alberto "Abet" Uy of the Archdiocese of Cebu spearheaded the movement, characterizing corruption as "shameful, immoral, and destructive" during his homily at the 2:30 PM mass at Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño Pilgrim Center. The religious leader emphasized that the event served as a "moral voice" rather than a political action, drawing participants from diverse social sectors.
Following the religious service, participants embarked on a peaceful march toward Fuente Osmeña Circle, where the main program unfolded. Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairman of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, confirmed the substantial turnout based on drone camera footage and ground assessments.
Security and Political Demands
Police Lieutenant Colonel Jose Losbaños reported that nearly 1,000 police personnel, including 347 from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, secured the event starting at 5:00 AM. The extensive security operation ensured no criminal incidents occurred during the protest.
Jaime Paglinawan of Bayan Muna Central Visayas delivered scathing accusations against government officials, alleging billions of pesos had been misappropriated from flood control projects rather than the commonly cited millions. He specifically called for the resignation of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte, and legislators involved in corruption scandals.
"These corrupt officials have no moral ascendancy to lead," Paglinawan declared, highlighting the contrast between insufficient education, health, and housing budgets versus inflated funding for anomalous infrastructure projects.
The activist connected these allegations to the recent devastation caused by Typhoon Tino, suggesting substandard flood control projects worth approximately P50 billion had failed to protect communities. Paglinawan expressed gratitude for Archbishop Uy's support, noting that Church involvement amplified long-standing demands for accountability.
Veteran radio broadcaster Leo Lastimosa joined the rally, expressing public outrage over government corruption and encouraging continued public mobilization. Participants vowed to sustain pressure until officials face legal consequences for alleged fund mismanagement.
