ILOILO City – Positioning themselves at the forefront of a renewed nationwide push for transparency, various civil society groups in Iloilo are set to stage a large-scale anti-corruption protest on November 30, using Bonifacio Day to spotlight what they call the continued impunity of political dynasties and the slow progress of investigations into multi-billion–peso fund anomalies.
Kahublagan Kontra Kurapsyon (KKK-Iloilo) said the mass action aims to hold both the Marcos and Duterte administrations accountable for alleged misuse of public money — from pork barrel funds and confidential and intelligence funds to questionable budget insertions and flood control projects that have drawn public outrage.
“We must stand together against the culture of corruption that has stifled our potential and eroded public trust,” said Msgr. Meliton Oso of the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center, emphasizing that mounting dissatisfaction has compelled citizens to mobilize once again.
Organizers said the protest stems from deep frustration over what they describe as attempts by the Marcos and Duterte families to evade scrutiny. They noted that while the Marcos administration tries to distance itself from allegations of budget manipulation, Duterte supporters are allegedly reshaping public perception to protect former vice president Sara Duterte.
“Our voices will not be silenced by the political drama, misinformation, or intimidation tactics,” Oso warned. “November 30 is a day of action for Ilonggos committed to transparency and integrity in governance. We will hold those in power accountable.”
Former Kabataan Partylist representative Raoul Manuel echoed this sentiment, criticizing what he called the government’s lackluster response to corruption scandals.
“We demand swift and decisive action from our public officials. The lack of urgency following the September 21 protests shows a blatant disregard for the people’s voices,” Manuel said.
Organizers also drew inspiration from Andres Bonifacio’s legacy of resistance, framing their mobilization as a modern-day fight against systemic abuses.
“Bonifacio’s fight against oppression serves as a powerful reminder to Ilonggos about the significance of collective power in challenging systemic abuses,” said Arlie Bosque of Pamatan-on Kontra Kurapsyon.
“We are not just protesting; we are rallying for a pro-people governance that prioritizes justice and integrity,” Bosque stressed.
Cynthia Ng, head of Manugbulong Iloilo, said the call is rooted in moral responsibility.
“Both Saint Andrew and Andres Bonifacio — models of faith and conviction — inspire us to live with integrity and bravery, building a community rooted in truth and justice,” she said. “Guided by these values, we reject any form of evasion by top officials from public scrutiny and the highest standards of accountability.”
Iloilo-based sectoral organizations also criticized what they described as coordinated efforts to deflect the public’s growing anger.
“We slam the attempts of the Dutertes to hijack the people’s calls for accountability by shielding Sara Duterte and presenting her as the alternative to the Marcos Jr administration,” said Elmer Forro, secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Panay.
“We resist the attempts of the Marcoses to distance the president from his role in budget insertions and the release of funds for anomalous flood control projects,” he added.
Adding to the growing clamor, Dr. Kristin Treñas of the Molo Parish Pastoral Council said: “Tama na, sobra na, ikulong na. Kinahanglan nagid bawion ang gin kurakot.”
She added, “We are the power behind it, not them. We need to demand accountability and keep pushing until we achieve the results we desire.”
The mobilization is expected to draw between 3,000 to 5,000 participants, who will converge from multiple assembly points — including Jaro Plaza and the University of the Philippines–Visayas — before marching to the Iloilo Provincial Capitol for the main protest at 3 p.m.
The upcoming demonstration follows the massive “Trillion Peso March” on September 21, which drew more than 15,000 Ilonggos nationwide in one of the biggest anti-corruption protests in years.
As KKK-Iloilo puts it, the November 30 mobilization is “not merely a protest” but a sustained demand for justice, transparency, and a government that “truly serves its people.”
“We are inviting you to stand with your fellow Ilonggos as they march towards a future free from corruption, calling for justice, accountability, and a government that truly serves its people,” Oso said./PN
