By: Charles Nikko Limon
Hundreds of Baguio residents joined the nationwide “One Trillion Peso March,” demanding accountability from national and local officials allegedly involved in corruption and misuse of public funds.
Despite her knee pain, 71-year-old resident Celia Austria did not hesitate to join the march.
She said, “Even if it hurts, it’s nothing compared to the pain of seeing our fellow Filipinos drowning in floods. I can endure this kind of pain rather than the pain felt by so many Filipinos affected by flooding.”
After the march, participants gathered at Burnham Park, where more than 100 organizations held a program denouncing corruption and calling for reforms in disaster response and government spending.
Among those who took part was youth sector representative Ivan Ofilada.
The event also coincided with the birth anniversary of Gat Andres Bonifacio, recognized as the Father of the Philippine Revolution.
As part of the protest, groups unveiled an effigy of a crocodile named “Lulong,” bearing the faces of the President and Vice President.
Participants covered the effigy with placards and written grievances reflecting public frustration over alleged corruption and flood control controversies.
Siscar also emphasized that beyond political finger-pointing, the priority must be holding accountable those responsible for questionable spending and alleged anomalies.
Aside from corruption issues, protesters also raised concerns about the supposed “mallification” of the Baguio City Public Market. Resident Ryan Castillo said, “We don’t want public-private partnerships for this. It only needs proper and honest management.”
According to the Baguio City Police Office, more than a thousand individuals joined the protest, which ended peacefully.
