A massive people’s anti-corruption protest will be launched at Luneta Park in Manila and other parts of the country on November 30. The mobilization will be led by the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK or People’s Movement Against Corruption), newly formed from the protest of 100,000 individuals in the so-called Flood in Luneta on September 21. The group will demand: “Hold everyone involved accountable!”

According to KBKK, only holding all those involved in anomalies accountable can end systemic corruption plaguing the nation. “Everyone” includes President Marcos, who created and approved the annual budget riddled with irregularities, and Vice President Duterte, who faces charges of misusing hundreds of millions in confidential and intelligence funds.

Throughout November, KBKK members will launch weekly Black Friday Protests, pickets, and noise barrages in communities, universities, factories, markets, and densely frequented places. They will also lead forums, mass meetings, and streamer displays to reach more Filipinos.

KBKK member organizations held a series of protests and activities in October. With other democratic sectors, thousands of farmers marched from Liwasang Bonifacio to Mendiola in Manila on October 21. They called for genuine land reform and accountability from the Marcos regime for corruption. Actions were also held in Cebu, Bacolod, Davao, and Santiago City in Isabela, as well as in the provinces of Southern Tagalog and Panay. Filipino migrants from the US, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea supported the farmers and launched a “global noise barrage.”

On October 24, Bayan-NCR conducted a Black Friday Protest in the cities of Manila, Quezon, Pasig, Taguig, and Valenzuela, with similar activities in Laguna and Albay. Members of Kalikasan-PNE, People Surge, and Kadamay stormed the compound in Taguig City, site of the ICI office.

On October 27, bishops, priests, and pastors from various denominations based in the National Capital Region gathered in San Juan City to form the Church People Against Corruption. The next day, Gabriela chapters protested during the National Women’s Day of Protest.

On October 30, Quezon City health workers protested to condemn corruption and demand salary increases, payment of benefits, and additional staff in government hospitals. Students from UP-Tacloban and the University of Eastern Philippines in Northern Samar also staged actions.

On October 31, Bayan member groups marched anew to Mendiola in Manila. On the same day, Concerned Artists of the Philippines launched the #StopKorap Halloween Party with the theme “Ghost Projects: The Exorcism!” in Quezon City. Black Friday Protests were also held in Caloocan and Pasay City, San Pablo City in Laguna, and Cagayan de Oro City.

Fascist fangs

Amid the people’s escalating outrage, the Marcos regime continues its efforts to suppress and intimidate the youth. On November 3, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) announced filing cases against 97 unnamed individuals involved in the September 21 protest, which resulted in violent police suppression.

In addition, four student leaders from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and De La Salle-College of St. Benilde were subpoenaed by the PNP-CIDG for investigation. The youth leaders refused to appear before the police. They also held a protest on October 27 at the PNP Quezon City headquarters to denounce the subpoenas.

Meanwhile, the prosecutor in Manila recommended charging ten of the 270 individuals arrested on September 21 with tumult and other disturbances of public order. The complaints of illegal assembly and direct assault filed against those arrested were dismissed for lack of sufficient evidence.