The Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (TAMA NA) announced its planned protest on January 31 at Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila. The alliance aims to hold the Marcos regime and the Dutertes accountable for the suffering of the Filipino people, rampant corruption, and the lack of accountability of government officials for their numerous crimes against the public.

In a statement from the alliance, it emphasized the worsening poverty due to rising food prices and other goods, low wages, and unemployment. “The prices of rice and meat have not gone down, and now the prices of tomatoes, chili pepper, and vegetables are also rising, along with increases in water and electricity charges,” according to the alliance.

It stated that farmers, workers, and urban poor are already grumbling from poverty, and even middle-class professionals and small business owners. Filipinos being pushed to work abroad due to the crisis are reportedly increasing in number.

“Instead of solving our burdens, the Marcos government is making things worse,” said the alliance. As 2025 begins, the Social Security System increased by 15% the deduction from the salaries of Filipino workers. Recently, fares for the LRT have also increased alongside utility service charges.

It noted that citizens are heavily taxed and the Philippines is drowning in debt while government services remain insufficient, drained by corruption. This is particularly evident in the bloating budget for pork barrel and vote-buying in the upcoming elections. Additionally, an immense amount has been allocated for the government’s unprogrammed funds, confidential funds, and intelligence funds.

“What’s more painful is that those who clearly squander public funds, like VP Sara Duterte (who shamelessly refuses to undergo any investigation process), and protector of POGOs, drug lords, and promoter of extrajudicial killings former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, continue to thrive and sow chaos,” they emphasized.

Series of human rights violations characterized by extrajudicial killings, arrests, red-tagging, and many others also continue under the Marcos regime.

“What is this?! The government already does nothing to lower prices or raise wages; they even steal from the public coffers and do not hold corrupt and oppressive individuals accountable!” the alliance said.

In light of these issues, they called on various democratic sectors and Filipino citizens to “gather for a large protest action that will involve different sectors and all those who aspire for change in governing.”