The twin massive rallies against abysmal corruption in the Philippines held 21 September had no live TV coverage as of 10 a.m. There’s one in Rizal Park (Luneta) in Manila billed as “Baha sa Luneta” and another one at 2 p.m. at the EDSA Shrine dubbed as “Trillion Peso March.”

Did the showbiz stars who had announced a few days ago that they would join what could be a historic event in the country turn up? Anne Curtis and Ogie Alcasid are among those who practically pledged their presence at Luneta/Rizal Park. 

Vice Ganda was reported before Sunday as encouraging the public to join the rally, so we assumed she herself would be at the event. We would certainly love it if several celebrities from the LGBTQIA+ community joined the rally. 

The main host of ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime has been roundly denouncing in the TV show and on her social media the corruption in Philippine government. She is among the country’s highest tax-paying working citizens in Quezon City. 

Recently, she has practically encouraged people to stop paying taxes because “ipinapanakaw lang ng gobyerno ang mga buwis natin (The government just stole our money).” She further asserted that the people should start paying taxes again after the government has taken back all the money paid to corrupt contractors and government officials and political leaders. 

If showbiz idols of varying magnitudes of popularity flocked to the event, their presence would have become a much-welcomed scene stealer. 

We’re hoping that government officials and politicians with untarnished reputations would be reported to be present either at Luneta or at the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City, which is the venue for a similar rally denouncing corruption in the country.