Baha sa Luneta

Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon na Laban sa Korapsyon (lit. 'Flood in Luneta: Act now against Corruption'), or simply known as Baha sa Luneta is a series of mass demonstrations on September 21, 2025. Organized by Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network, university groups, and activist groups. The protests are being held in response to alleged corruption in government flood control project infrastructure projects. An estimated 100,000 people took part in the demonstrations.

Reports of anomalies in flood control projects, including incomplete or substandard work and alleged ghost projects, prompted widespread criticism of the government.^[2] Public discontent grew amid calls for transparency and accountability in infrastructure spending. According to reports, the demonstrations focused on allegations of massive irregularities in flood control programs, with some ₱1.9 trillion (US$33 billion) spent over the past 15 years, more than half of which was allegedly lost to corruption.^[3]

The date of the rally, September 21, coincides with the anniversary of the declaration of martial law by President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1972, a symbolic choice for groups emphasizing democratic rights and government accountability.^[4]

The rally was organized by student coalitions and activist groups, such as Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance, composed of schools along Taft Avenue, Panatang Luntian Coalition, a youth environmental group, and several university councils. University of the Philippines school board member Dexter Clemente stated that the demonstration sought to draw attention to alleged corruption involving politicians and contractors.^[5]

Various build-up protests were held in different universities and cities in the country were conducted before September 21 aiming to converge in Luneta and other protest centers.

Calls for the September 21 demonstrations were initially made by various groups such as Artikulo Onse: Citizens' War Against Corruption and Sanlakas. They referred to the planned protest as the "Billion Peso March" or "Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon na Laban sa Korapsyon" (lit. 'Flood in Luneta: Act now against Corruption'), intended to draw attention to alleged irregularities in flood control project.^[6] Baha sa Luneta activities were led by the Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (transl. "People Against Thieves and Abusers Network Alliance"; TAMA NA).^[7][8]

The main program started at 9:00 a.m. at Rizal Park (Luneta) in Manila.^[5] The program included various performances, speeches, and joint activities. The pedestrian crossing in front of the Rizal Monument drew thousands of participants, including first-time demonstrators as well as representatives from various sectoral and church groups.^[9] An estimated 49,000 participants had gathered by 10:25 a.m. Many carried placards and banners calling for an end to corruption.^[10] Civic organizations that participated included the Gabriela Women's Party, Health Alliance for Democracy, and Karapatan.^[7] Among the personalities who attended were drag performers Pura Luka Vega, Gabriela She Lang, and Maria Cristina who led the Harong Queens in a performance. Miss Philippines Earth Joy Barcoma also took part heading a group of volunteers in post-rally clean up efforts. Other participants included comedian Jun Sabayton and rapper artists Supafly, Morobeats, and Vitrum.^[11] Actresses Angel Aquino, Andrea Brillantes, Maris Racal, Jodi Sta. Maria, and Tessie Tomas were also spotted.^[12] OPM artists like indie/alt-rock band Lola Amour were also participated in the rally.^[13]

Student performers from the University of the Philippines staged performance covered in mud. UP Repertory Company manager Seah Antalan stated that the act was meant to "reclaim the narrative of the people", contrasting it with displays of privilege.^[14]

Some protesters waved the Straw Hat Pirates' Jolly Roger from One Piece symbolizing rebellion against corruption and injustice. Similar flags have been previous spotted in demonstrations in Indonesia and Nepal which occurred weeks before the Philippines September protests.^[15]

Protest organizers listed several demands, including:^[16][17]

• the arrest of individuals implicated in the alleged anomalous flood control projects
• the recovery of alleged ill-gotten wealth, including luxury goods and vehicles
• the public release of government officials' Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), along with the lifting of bank secrecy restrictions
• the enactment of stronger anti-corruption measures, including granting subpoena and contempt powers to independent investigative bodies
• the inclusion of representatives from civil society, people's organizations, and anti-corruptions groups in Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)
• the granting of contempt powers to the ICI to compel the participation of government officials in its investigation
• the recovery of stolen public funds and their reallocation toward health, education, housing, and compensation for flood victims.

• Trillion Peso March – another major protest held on the same day
• Corruption in the Philippines
• Million People March
• 2025 Philippine anti-corruption protests
• People Power Revolution

• Media related to Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon na Laban sa Korapsyon at Wikimedia Commons