Decades after the Marcos dictatorship, wounds from the past continue to echo, with Filipinos recalling the ill governance of yesterday as they boldly fight corruption today. United in one voice, progressive groups, student leaders, and activists representing farmers, youth, marginalized communities, human rights advocates, and LGBTQIA+ members marched through Kalaw Avenue to Luneta Park, linking their call for accountability with the commemoration of the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law.

The chants intensified as speakers took turns on stage with the theme, “Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon Laban sa Korupsyon,” using the imagery of floods to underscore how massive corruption undermines public trust, with officials allegedly misusing multibillion-peso projects in taxpayers’ money.

Progressive groups also expressed their message through political performances such as singing and rapping, while others gathered on the ground to emphasize that the demonstration was not only about voicing demands but also about confronting systemic failures in governance.

As chants and speeches grew louder, authorities were deployed across the park, stationed along pathways and entrances to monitor the rally.