Members of the Akbayan Reform Bloc in Congress are urging Filipinos to take to the streets on September 21 in a mass protest against what they describe as a multi-trillion peso corruption scandal in flood control and infrastructure projects.

Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Kiram Ismula voiced their support for the upcoming rally at the People Power Monument in Edsa, organized under the banner “Trillion Peso March.” The protest is spearheaded by civil society groups including SIKLAB, the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation (CLCNT), Tindig Pilipinas, Akbayan Party, Kalipunan, and the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition.

Timed to coincide with the anniversary of Martial Law, the event aims to invoke the spirit of EDSA as a symbol of resistance against corruption and abuse of power.

“Plunder is the cruelest form of robbery,” said Rep. Diokno. “The national treasury is built from the sweat and tears of the people. It is our duty to protect it and ensure it serves the public—not the pockets of corrupt officials and their cohorts.”

Rep. Cendaña emphasized that the scandal spans multiple administrations, singling out the Duterte era for its alleged role in ballooning illicit wealth and questionable infrastructure spending. He warned against attempts to manipulate public outrage for political gain.

“We must hold everyone accountable—especially those who enriched themselves during Duterte’s term,” Cendaña said. “Let’s not forget how billions in flood control funds vanished without explanation. We cannot allow those responsible to rewrite the narrative.”

Cendaña also condemned what he called “repeat plunderers,” accusing them of turning corruption into a habit and exploiting institutions to shield their crimes. “It’s time to make this country inhospitable to all plunderers—especially those who’ve made a career out of it,” he said.

Rep. Ismula highlighted the human cost of corruption, pointing to the daily struggles of ordinary Filipinos. “While a few shamelessly steal billions, millions of families fight just to put food on the table. It’s outrageous that people wade through floodwaters to get to work while others profit from failed flood control projects,” she said.

The Akbayan bloc said Edsa was chosen as the protest venue for its historical significance. “From ending Martial Law plunder in 1986, to ousting corrupt leaders in 2001, and rallying against pork barrel abuse in 2013—Edsa has always been the people’s stage for justice,” Cendaña noted.

The September 21 protest is expected to draw thousands, as calls for transparency and accountability continue to mount.