A coalition of religious and civil society groups is bringing the fight against corruption back to EDSA. They'll stage the White Ribbon March at the People Power Monument on June 28, demanding accountability and political reform.
Bishop Efraim Tendero announced the rally at a press conference on Friday. He said the demonstration will push for three main things: an end to government corruption, a real anti-dynasty law, and major reforms to the election system.
The march is being led by the Inter-Religious Leaders Council for National Transformation. That group includes the country's four largest religious organizations. Civil society groups like Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (Tama Na) are also joining.
“Our call is for all the corrupt and those involved to be held accountable. We don't side with anyone. We don't accompany or side with politicians or political positions. We only accompany our countrymen who are suffering,” Tendero said in Filipino.
Bishop Colin Bagaforo said the rally is a continuation of the Trillion Peso March protests held last year and during the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on Feb. 25. He said the name was changed to White Ribbon March to show inclusivity — anyone who wants to express indignation against corruption is welcome.
Around 10,000 people are expected to join, according to Bagaforo.
David San Juan, convenor of Tama Na, stressed the need to monitor the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. He also said the Marcos administration must be held accountable over the flood control controversy.
Tama Na criticized the anti-political dynasty bill passed by the House of Representatives. The group urged the Senate to come up with a version that limits families to just one elective position. They also called for stricter rules on campaign donations from large companies and insisted that party-list representatives must come from the marginalized sector.
Bishop Ellie Mercado acknowledged that many Filipinos may feel a “sense of despair” after decades of fighting corruption. But he said it's important to keep hoping and joining protests for the sake of future generations.
“When I was a teenager in college, we fought against corruption and the kind of dirty politics that we are seeing. After more than 50 years, here we are again. Sometimes, we bewail the fact that we're supposed to be a very religious country, but we're not righteous,” he said.
But “even when we despair,” Mercado said, people must continue to hope. He noted that participating in rallies allows the public to “express in the ultimate and righteous way our indignation against sin,” which “we owe to the younger generation and to our people today.”
The White Ribbon March comes as the country faces multiple corruption scandals, including the flood control controversy and questions over the use of public funds. Organizers say the protest isn't aligned with any political party or candidate — it's purely about holding the government accountable.