Major demonstrations took hold in key areas of the Philippines, including Luneta and Edsa, on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Protesters united in a powerful call for government accountability and systemic reforms to combat entrenched corruption.
Bonifacio's Legacy Fuels Modern-Day Struggle
The date of the massive mobilization held deep symbolic weight, coinciding with the 162nd birth anniversary of national hero Andres Bonifacio. Organizers and participants drew a direct line from Bonifacio's fight against colonial oppression to the current struggle against what they see as a corrupt ruling elite. The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights, which endorsed the protests, stated the day served to honor his legacy by continuing the fight against modern oppressors in government and the economy.
Catalysts: From Flood Scandals to Economic Pain
The November 30 protest followed a similar large-scale gathering on September 21, which condemned anomalous flood control projects. Public anger has been compounded by several factors. Recent powerful typhoons and severe flooding have highlighted the human cost of graft in infrastructure. Simultaneously, the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. faces criticism for its perceived inability to hold the perpetrators of corruption accountable.
Beneath the political scandals lies a worsening economic reality for many Filipinos. Recent surveys paint a grim picture: half of Filipino families considered themselves poor in late September, up from 49% in June. Approximately 32% of adults felt their quality of life deteriorated in the third quarter of 2025. The labor market also shows strain, with underemployment rising from 10.7% in August to 11.1% in September, while unemployment saw only a marginal drop from 3.9% to 3.8%.
Growing Demands and a Vow to Continue
This confluence of events has fueled widespread and intense discontent, particularly among workers and the youth. The protest movement shows no signs of abating, with clear demands emerging from the public. Protesters are insisting on accountability for those involved in corruption cases and meaningful changes in governance. Some groups have escalated their calls, demanding the resignation of top government officials and their replacement by a transition council.
Advocates argue that corruption directly victimizes workers, leading to poor workplace inspections, eroded labor rights, and inadequate social protection. They also blame corrupt approval of environmentally destructive projects for increasing community vulnerability to disasters.
Looking forward, protest supporters are pushing for specific anti-corruption measures, including the passage of a long-overdue law against political dynasties. They also express hope for electing clean, pro-worker candidates in future elections. However, they emphasize that achieving these goals depends on the anti-corruption movement growing stronger—a commitment they vow to uphold.
