With the protest gaining momentum—drawing more participants by the hour—Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan called on the public to march peacefully and remain focused on the ultimate goal: accountability and real reform.
“Let us not get distracted by chaos. Let us keep our eyes on what matters most—demanding real change,” Pangilinan said, urging protesters to be a source of light in the midst of corruption-driven unrest.
A former student activist, Pangilinan said his commitment to protest remains alive, especially as the nation faces the massive flood control corruption scandal. He stressed the need to see investigations through to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“Corruption isn’t abstract—especially when it exploits people and even costs lives,” Pangilinan said. “Do not let this moment pass without change. This is the moment to turn outrage into reforms, so it will not be buried in bureaucracy or politics.”
The senator highlighted how citizens from all walks of life—students, church groups, celebrities, and ordinary Filipinos—chose to risk their safety and set aside personal commitments to join the march. “Every peso stolen means lives put at risk when floods strike, when disease spreads, and when people are robbed of their livelihoods,” he said, echoing the anger and frustration felt by the people.
Pangilinan also recalled how the protests of the Martial Law years and the EDSA Revolution paved the way for real change, reminding Filipinos that people power has always been a powerful force in holding leaders accountable.
Despite the noise and tension, Pangilinan encouraged Filipinos to channel their anger into collective action. “This march is just the beginning of a longer fight for transparency and accountability. I hope we stand together until justice is won,” the senator called on the people.
Building on the people’s momentum, Pangilinan urged the people to hold on to the anger and turn it into collective action—a driving force to fight for what is right and for the Filipino lives that have been exploited, abused, and robbed.
“This march is just the beginning of a longer fight, and I hope na lahat tayo ay magsama-sama hanggang sa makamit natin ang tunay na hustisya,” the senator called on the people.