By Wendyl Geronimo
Davao Today

MANILA — “We shall never forget.” 

Progressive groups announced on September 15 its planned protest actions on September 21 to commemorate the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law and to press the government for accountability over corruption, particularly the controversy surrounding flood control projects.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said that it will join the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK) rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in the afternoon before leading a march to Mendiola.

Bayan said that the mobilization pays tribute to the Filipino people’s resistance to the dictatorship of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. while continuing calls for accountability over the flood control controversy that sparked large anti-corruption protests last year.

The group said that the protest should also be a reminder of the continuing problems of poverty, corruption, repression, and foreign influence.

Bayan stressed that the Marcos Sr. dictatorship was marked by state violence, political repression, corruption and cronyism. The Marcos Jr. administration, Bayan said, implemented similar policies through continued political harassment and expanded cooperation with the United States.

The group also criticized the Marcos Jr. administration’s decision to allow US military access to Philippine territory and initiatives such as Pax Silica which it said would integrate Philippine critical-mineral extraction, semiconductor production, energy infrastructure, and artificial intelligence facilities into US-led supply chains.

Beyond the national issues raised by Bayan, sectoral groups are also expected to join the September 21 mobilization, with representatives citing corruption, government spending, environmental destruction, poverty and workers’ concerns.

Jerome Adonis of Kilusang Mayo Uno encouraged workers to be part of the protest as it highlights issues like hunger, poverty, rising prices, and unemployment.

Kedric Calibara, chairperson of the Agham Youth of University of the Philippines-Diliman Engineering, said that engineers and students would participate in the protest as government funds should be used for technological development and public needs.

Calibara cited the reported P174.1 billion allocation for flood control, stressing that government resources should contribute to the country’s technological advancement rather than being lost to corruption.

Environmental concerns will also be part of the mobilization. Nina Fegi of the Panatang Luntian, Environmentalist Stand Against Corruption Alliance raised concerns over mining activities, watershed destruction and government initiatives involving critical minerals.

Fegi criticized the US-Philippines Critical Minerals Memorandum of Understanding and measures intended to accelerate mineral mapping, mining and exploration, arguing that environmental protection is closely connected to addressing flooding. “The best flood control that we can have is when we are able to protect and conserve our mountains and resources.”

Joaquin Buenaflor of Kabataan Partylist said that corruption should not be viewed solely as a problem of individual government officials but as a systemic issue involving the handling of public funds and government projects. Buenaflor called for the return of allegedly stolen public funds and the removal of mechanisms that enable corruption, while urging young people to participate in the mobilization.

Mimi Doringo, secretary-general of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap, cited recurring floods, rising prices and low wages as major issues affecting marginalized Filipinos. She called for higher wages and compensation for calamity victims, while urging the government to direct public funds toward social services.

The September 21 protests will also be held in various parts of the country, with groups organizing marches, rallies, forums and multisectoral assemblies in Bicol, Baguio, Iloilo, Roxas City, Aklan, Negros, and Davao City. Activities include marches in Legazpi and Naga, a march-rally from UP Baguio to Malcolm Square, a march to the Ombudsman Regional Office in Iloilo, a march from Roxas City Civic Center to the city plaza, a forum and march in Aklan, a multisectoral assembly and march in Negros, and a multisectoral rally at Roxas Avenue in Davao City. (AMU, DAA)