ILOILO City – Corruption is no longer just a political talking point. For fisherfolk, teachers, students, religious leaders, women’s groups, and ordinary citizens, it has become a gut issue that robs them of opportunities, drains resources, and deepens poverty.
This shared outrage came to the fore during yesterday’s “Trillion-Peso March” here, where voices from diverse sectors united to denounce what they described as rampant, systemic thievery in government.
“Corruption not only robs the nation of its resources, but also creates immense challenges for the populace, particularly the youth who are concerned about their future,” said Reaven Blair Siasat, 21, of West Visayas State University and member of Pamatan-on Kontra Korapsyon.
For fisherfolk, the injustice cuts deeper. “Those of us just trying to make a living face harassment and arrests for minor infractions, while corruption runs rampant among the powerful,” said in Hiligaynon by “Mario,” 45, from a coastal municipality in northern Iloilo Province.
Former Ajuy, Iloilo councilor Pepe Baterna, 63, minced no words: “Corruption and drugs are the true enemies of our society. This is not just about flood control; it’s a blanket indictment of systemic failures and corruption across every level of government.”
Religious leaders also framed corruption as a moral sin. “It’s the poor who suffer the most, and the pain is unbearable,” said Susan Carpio, 66, of the Dios Gugma community. “Corruption is not just a political issue; it’s a moral one.”
Ordinary taxpayers likewise demanded answers.
“Taxes are tripling, yet what do we get in return? They steal from us. Every government agency should be investigated,” said Marlon Aspiracion, 55, a self-described middle-class worker.
Teachers added that corruption directly undermines education.
“Rampant and systematic corruption robs our schools of much-needed funds,” stressed Roby Magbanua, 65, of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers–Region 6. “If money was used properly, we would have more classrooms, more books, and enough teachers.”
Women’s groups echoed the frustration, highlighting its toll on health care and social services.
“Billions are stolen while the poor line up in hospitals without medicine or food. We cannot wait any longer—this is our money, and they must be jailed,” one representative declared.
The rally, which started at Jaro Plaza and ended at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, underscored a growing consensus: corruption is felt in people’s stomachs, classrooms, fishing boats, and tax bills.
The groups vowed to sustain their mobilization./PN
