Catriona Gray: ‘Every time we stay quiet, corruption wins’

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is urging Filipinos to take a stand against corruption and demand accountability, joining the massive Trillion Peso March at the EDSA People Power Monument held Sunday afternoon.

Addressing a large crowd, Gray condemned the widespread misuse of public funds that has left essential services underfunded and families vulnerable.

“We have watched as families are flooded again and again, while the public funds meant to protect them are pocketed,” she said. “Billions of pesos disappear without accountability, without justice, without answers.”

Gray emphasized that many Filipinos have become silent, not out of apathy, but because they have lost faith that meaningful change is possible. “People have gone silent because they have lost belief that change will ever come. While our nation grows exhausted, our leaders remain silent,” she said.

She criticized the systemic nature of corruption, highlighting its reach beyond a single agency to sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture and procurement. “This is a system built to benefit the corrupt few,” Gray said, urging fellow Filipinos to speak out. “Every time we stay quiet, corruption wins.”

At the rally, Gray called for immediate actions, including filing of cases against those implicated in corruption scandals, suspending senators under investigation and challenging political dynasties. She also invoked faith, leading the crowd in a prayer for justice and integrity in leadership.

“Today, we demand action. To the Ombudsman: file the cases now. To the senators: suspend the senators implicated and to the Congress: pass the Anti-Political Dynasty bill because power should not be inherited. It should be earned through service of the people.”

She added, “Panginoon, we lift up our beloved country… reveal every hidden corruption… raise up leaders with integrity, courage and conviction. We are the generation that will not let corruption win.”

As others think the Filipino spirit is weak, that Filipinos have a short memory, that it’s easy to forget and forgive, but Gray is among those who thinks otherwise. “Believe us when we say we will not forget what you did,” she ended.