Even with rain pouring down, Filipinos turned out in full force on Sept. 21 at Luneta Park and the People Power Monument to express their frustration over corruption in flood control projects.
Protestors wore white at the “Trillion Peso March,” while participants in black shirts flooded the “Baha sa Luneta” rally, with most of them having placards in tow that carried messages of anger and disappointment. In true Filipino fashion, the signs didn’t just reflect the crowds’ outrage; the banners also showed their creativity through humorous pop culture references to biting political critiques.
Here’s a look at some of the wittiest and notable placards, statement costumes, and more seen on the ground from the anti-corruption protests.
Pop culture references
One rallyist dressed as the horror character Sadako from The Ring—complete with spooky long hair covering their face and creepy white gown—carried a sign that read “Sad-ako bumabaha ng Ghost Projects.”
Even pets joined the action. A corgi “pawtester” at Luneta Park captured the hearts of social media users as it wore a placard that read “Nangangagat ng mga Korap” while in a backpack.
Others made use of everyday items to bring their point across: One message written on an umbrella quipped, “Binili ko itong payong kanina, kaso walang libreng kotse”—an apparent reference to contractor Sarah Discaya, who said in a feature interview with Julius Babao that she bought a Rolls-Royce Cullinan because it came with an umbrella.
Other rallyists made sarcastic digs using song lyrics. One protestor’s sign read “That boy is corrupt,” a playful nod to Sabrina Carpenter’s hit Nobody’s Son. The placard also showed pictures of government officials, including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez; Vice President Sara Duterte and her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte; Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla; senators Jinggoy Estrada, Robin Padilla, Imee Marcos, Bong Go, Bato Dela Rosa, and Camille and Mark Villar; former senators Bong Revilla and Cynthia Villar; contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya; and dismissed DPWH officials Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez.
Another sign lifted a line from Hey June! by Lasik, as it read, “S**t, nasan aking salapi?”
Several other demonstrators voiced their opinions regarding the Discayas, particularly with their reported 40 luxury cars.
“40 cars??!? Kapatid ko nga, tatlo lang brief!!” one placard read.
On Sept. 4, 28 of the couple’s luxury vehicles are now under Bureau of Customs custody as they verify importation records and assess duties and taxes.
A couple of Filipinos paid homage to the 1994 film Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin, borrowing lines from Maricel Soriano’s character.
“Wag mo’ko ma-Terry Terry. ‘Yung tanong ko sagutin ninyo. San niyo dinala ang pondo ng bayan? I deserve an explanation! I deserve an acceptable reason! San niyo dinala ang bilyong bilyong pisong kinamal mula sa pera ng taumbayan?” it read.
The original scene saw Soriano’s Terry confronting Zsa Zsa Padilla’s Monique about an affair with the earlier’s husband.
Another placard, addressed to journalist Kara David, referred to her viral birthday wish. In a video posted on Facebook during her 52nd birthday celebration, the journalist wished: “Sana mamatay lahat ng kurakot sa Pilipinas.” Echoing that sentiment, a placard at the rally read: “Sana matupad wish mo Kara David.”
An estimated 49,000 people marched at Luneta Park, according to the Manila Public Information Office, while a crowd of 15,000 flocked to the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
Hearings at the House of Representatives and the Senate revealed billions of pesos lost to corruption, which prompted the formation of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure that will specifically investigate irregularities in flood control projects in the last 10 years.
The scandal has already sparked leadership changes in both houses of Congress, with Romualdez tendering his resignation earlier this week as an investigation is underway.
On Sept. 11, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon filed criminal complaints against officials of the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office and four private contractors linked to such anomalies.
The government has also frozen the bank accounts of the contractors and DPWH officials with alleged involvement in the issue.
