ILOILO City – The unfinished Aganan flyover in Pavia, Iloilo will take center stage this week as a stark emblem of plunder when Ilonggos join the nationwide “Trillion Peso March” on September 21, transforming physical symbols of corruption into a rallying cry for unity and reform.
“This is a clear image of corruption. May tulay dira nga wala pa gid matapos. Kadamo lang sang rason, nga everybody is denying culpability, pero para sa amon, isa ina ka klaro nga imahen sang corruption,” said Monsignor Meliton Oso, director of the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC).
The main march kicks off at 3 p.m. from Jaro Plaza and will culminate at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol with speeches and educational activities before giving way to a solidarity concert featuring Ilonggo musicians.
Organizers are urging participants to wear white to symbolize peace while voicing outrage.
“We must denounce the thievery that is taking place in our country, as we are the ones being cheated. The blood and sweat of Filipinos are essentially being squandered; therefore, we must let our anger be known, but we insist on expressing this in a non-violent manner,” Oso stressed.
Timed with the anniversary of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s 1972 Martial Law declaration, the protest links past abuses to present anomalies, including the alleged loss of ₱1 trillion in flood control projects.
“It is essential for the pulse of the community to be heard,” said Oso.
In the run-up, a build-up rally is set on September 18 in Pavia, deliberately staged at the incomplete Aganan flyover to underscore the tangible costs of corruption and failed governance.
“This is a chance for Ilonggos to show that corruption does not just steal money — it leaves behind broken bridges, unfinished flyovers, and communities left waiting,” Oso said.
The prelate also expressed doubt on the national government’s will to pursue seeking accountability.
“We wonder what drama is unfolding behind the scenes of these corrupt practices,” said Oso, and that is why “importante nga kita makapautwas kag maka-demand kay mga public servants naton sila. Dapat nabatian sang ICI nga may tingog nga gasinggitan sa ground nga dapat indi lang presuhon kundi dapat ibalik ang kinawatan,” he added.
ICI is the Independent Commission for Infrastructure that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. created to investigate corruption not only in flood control projects but also in all other public works over the years, focusing on those that had been implemented since 2015.
Under Executive Order (EO) No. 94, the three-member ICI was tasked with investigating “anomalies, irregularities, and misuse of funds” in connection with government flood control and other infrastructure projects nationwide.
It can act motu proprio (on its own initiative) and on information, including intelligence reports, against all government officials and employees and private individuals who may be involved.
The EO said the investigation will “prioritize” flood control and other infrastructure projects “within the last 10 years.”
For the September 21 protest march, Oso said, “We encourage everyone to wear white, signifying peace. But we want to stress that our message is loud and clear: we will voice our righteous anger regarding rampant corruption. The squandered funds represent the labor and sacrifices of our fellow Filipinos.”/PN
