CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Flight delays and cancellations left several anti-corruption speakers stranded on Saturday, preventing them from reaching Metro Manila in time for the “Trillion-Peso Rally,” organizers said.

Benito Rangue, convenor of Mamamayan Ayaw sa Digmaan (MAD) — also known as the Marcos Alis Diyan Movement — told the DAILY TRIBUNE that some of their scheduled speakers were unable to leave Davao City and Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental due to operational disruptions affecting multiple airlines.

“Several of our speakers are stuck in Mindanao because of the flight problems,” Rangue said. “But the majority have already arrived in Metro Manila and are ready for the peaceful rally at the EDSA Shrine on Sunday. We will be calling for the resignation of President Marcos.”

Airbus-related directive triggers nationwide disruptions

The flight issues stem from emergency safety directives issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency requiring airlines worldwide to implement mandatory software and hardware protection updates for Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. Airbus has instructed operators to immediately update flight-control software, while some older A320 models will require ELAC system retrofits to ensure continued airworthiness.

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific earlier released travel advisories confirming that they were working to comply with the directive — an effort that has resulted in delays and cancellations across their networks.

The airport announced that flights operated by Airbus aircraft “may experience delays or cancellations” as airlines complete the required safety procedures. While airport operations remain normal, adjustments depend on each airline’s fleet availability and maintenance schedules.

Ripple effect on rally preparations

Organizers of the anti-corruption rally expected full attendance from Mindanao-based speakers, but the disruptions have forced last-minute program adjustments. Despite this, Rangue said the group’s core speakers are already in Manila and “fully prepared” for the event.

“Safety comes first,” he said. “But our message will still be delivered.”