Thousands of Filipinos gathered at the EDSA People Power Monument on Sunday for the ‘Trillion Peso March,’ a massive rally calling for government accountability against corruption.
In an interview with DZRH's Dos Por Dos, grandchild of former Senator Ninoy Aquino, Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor, and spokesperson of the event, Kiko Aquino-Dee, described the turnout as a 'peaceful' and 'successful' protest against corruption.
“Natupad po namin ang commitment na mapayapang paraan ng pagbabago ang iginigiit natin dito pero firm tayo sa panawagang kailangan na talagang umaksyon na ang gobyerno para masolusyonan ang korapsyon sa lahat ng mga sangay nito,” he said.
While the crowd was expected to concentrate at the People Power Monument, the flow of participants spilled over to EDSA itself and extended toward the EDSA Shrine.
"Kung tama ako, pagkatapos ng pormal naming program, mapayapa pa rin pero may mga taong tumuloy sa EDSA Shrine tapos naghayag pa rin ng mga calls nila. Sa initial monitor ko wala naman pong naganap na untoward doon, very peaceful pa rin," he said.
Dee confirmed that the protesters continued voicing calls there without any major disturbances, though police and volunteer marshals had to step in quickly to ease a brief clash between a Duterte supporter and rally participants.
He also shared that former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, who has recently called for military intervention, drew jeers and 'boos' from demonstrators as he passed near the protest site.
Dee said the reaction reflected public rejection of what they viewed as opportunistic and anti-democratic proposals.
“Malinaw sa amin na ang pakikibaka namin sa ilalim ng 1987 constitution ‘yung panawagan ni Sir Chavit Singson po na military sobrang labag naman yun sa demokratikong proseso na nakatalaga doon. So nakita po ng tao yung pagiging oportunista po niya sa presscon po niya kamakailan lang,” he stressed.
"Ang posisyon namin, anti po kami sa lahat ng mga faction, Marcos man iyan o Duterte. I would not be surprise kung may bumatikos kay Marcos, may bumatikos kay Duterte. Ang napagkaisahan po ng lahat ng organizing groups, pwede mong sabihin kung ano ang gusto mong sabihin laban sa isang politiko pero wala po tayong isusulong na particular politikal agenda," Dee added.
The protest comes amid growing frustration over the corruption scandals and government spending priorities.
Dee criticized the administration for boasting about a large flood control budget in the 2024 State of the Nation Address, even as widespread flooding hit different parts of the country.
