Protesters Mark Martial Law Anniversary
Protesters gathered in the Philippines to mark the 54th anniversary of Martial Law, demanding accountability for alleged government corruption and economic mismanagement. The rally addressed specific budget controversies and criticized the recent acquittal of Imelda Marcos.
Why it matters
The event reflects ongoing political tensions in the Philippines regarding historical justice, government transparency, and the current administration's handling of public funds.
PROTESTERS led by the Stand in Opposition to Plunder (Stop) Corruption Alliance gathered at Freedom Park along Roxas Avenue on September 21 to mark the 54th anniversary of Martial Law and demand government accountability over corruption allegations.The rally brought together church leaders, youth organizations, and human rights advocates to condemn alleged systemic graft, unaddressed plunder, and economic distress affecting ordinary citizens.Demonstrators highlighted national budget controversies, citing alliance estimates of ₱986.5 billion approved for flood-control projects between 2023 and 2025, with up to ₱197 billion potentially lost to corruption annually.The alliance also flagged ₱650 million in confidential funds allocated to Vice President Sara Duterte in 2022–2023, pointing to audit discrepancies involving 1,685 unverified payees, alongside ₱6.8 billion in covered transactions linked to Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio, from 2006 to 2025.Martial Law survivor Fe Salino, spokesperson for Samahan ng Ex-Detainees Laban sa Aresto at Detensyon-Southern Mindanao Region (Selda-SMR), criticized the…
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