Trillion Peso March presses conviction of corrupt officials

Organizers of the Trillion Peso March said their primary goal remains the conviction of corrupt politicians as they staged the protest’s third edition on Wednesday.

The anti-corruption rally was held alongside the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the EDSA People Power Monument along White Plains Avenue in Quezon City.

Kiko Aquino Dee, one of the program’s lead organizers, said he had anticipated that the protest would eventually coincide with the EDSA commemoration when the first Trillion Peso March was held at the same venue on 21 September 2025.

“Si Cardinal Ambo po kasi noong unang Trillion Peso March binanggit na nga niya yung malapit na koneksyon sa pagitan ng korapsyon at yung diwa ng people power,” he said.

Plans for the third edition were confirmed on 12 February during a press conference in Quezon City held with Caritas Philippines.

At that time, Dee emphasized that the rally would “see no color,” describing it as a unified call against corruption regardless of political affiliation.

“To be very honest po medyo may konting kurot sakin yung walang kulay yung people power dahil malapit sa puso ko yung dilaw, malinaw naman po yun,” Dee explained.

“Pero dahil nga nakikiisa po tayo sa taumbayan, talagang lahat naman ay naapektuhan ng korapsyon ano man yung kinikilingan nating partido,” he added.

Aside from the main gathering, several sectoral groups also announced separate rallies on the same day to address similar concerns on governance and accountability.

Asked about this development, Dee described it as a positive sign that more citizens are taking part in collective action.

“Kung buhay yung diwa ng sama-samang pagkilos ngayon, umaabot po siya sa mas maraming tao kumpara sa dati ay mukhang naging tamang pasya nga po yung ideya na dapat wala pong kulay yung ating pagtindig ngayon,” he said.

With 25 February declared a special working holiday, organizers expected a smaller turnout compared with previous marches.

Still, Dee said the spirit of protest endures beyond a single gathering.

“Definitely we want you to come, marami pang gagawin dito sa araw na ito, there's always something for you no matter where you are in the country, no matter what time of day, pero kung ang tingin niyo po ay hindi niyo kayang dumating, there will always be a next protest," he said.