In solidarity with activists, students, and faith groups, celebrities and influencers gathered at Luneta Park and the EDSA People Power Monument to call out corruption behind the controversial flood control projects.
To stay neutral in the face of oppression and injustice is to choose the side of the oppressor. While celebrities usually shine under bright stage lights or trending social media posts, this time, they chose to step away from the spotlight and walk alongside fellow Filipinos. On September 21, a date heavy with history, celebrities and influencers lent their names and platforms to amplify calls for transparency, accountability, and good governance amid controversy over anomalous flood control projects.
This year’s rallies coincided with the anniversary of Martial Law’s declaration in 1972 under Ferdinand Marcos Sr. People gathered from Luneta Park and the EDSA People Power Monument to demand answers about the ghost infrastructure projects that left taxpayers with losses and communities with floods. These gatherings have since been recognized as part of the growing Sept. 21 anti-corruption protest movement.
Celebrities and Influencers Join Sept. 21 Anti-Corruption Protest
The protest, dubbed the “Trillion Peso March,” brought together a diverse crowd: students, faith groups, labor unions, progressive organizations, and yes—artists, influencers, and A-list celebrities. Shoulder to shoulder, they filled both sides of the historic EDSA landmark, proving once again that there is greater power in people than the people in power. The Sept. 21 anti-corruption protest highlighted how different sectors can unite for accountability.
The program opened with music from Ben&Ben, Noel Cabangon, Jamie Rivera, and Bayang Barrios—artists whose songs have long been tied to hope and protest. The crowd also buzzed when familiar faces from entertainment and social media stepped onto the streets.
Vice Ganda, one of the country’s most prominent comedians and highest tax-paying entertainers, did not mince words. She called out officials allegedly tied to the anomalous projects, even addressing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. directly: “PBBM, upang magkaroon ng magandang legasiya ipakulong mo lahat ng magnanakaw. Inaasahan ka namin. Swine-swelduhan ka namin PBBM. Kami nagpapasahod sa inyo. Tapos na panahon takot sa gobyerno. Takutin natin. Ipakulong lahat. Lahat. Bawiin mga ari-arian.”
Also spotted were Anne Curtis with her husband Erwan Heussaff and sister Jasmine Curtis-Smith, singer Darren Espanto, and Vice’s partner Ion Perez. Other stars included Angel Aquino, Jodi Sta. Maria, Maris Racal, Catriona Gray, Iza Calzado, Nadine Lustre, Julia Barretto, Gabbi Garcia, Elijah Canlas, Kaila Estrada, and Rhian Ramos.
Even celebrity runners joined the march, donning statement shirts with anti-corruption messages: Dingdong Dantes, Kim Atienza, Benjamin Alves, Kim Molina, and Jerald Napoles. Their involvement further boosted awareness of the Sept. 21 anti-corruption protest nationwide.
Taking a Stand, Together
Alongside celebrities were digital creators who have shaped today’s online conversations. Illustrator AJ Bacar (creator of Sskait), satirical artist Kevin Eric Raymundo (aka Tarantadong Kalbo), and content creator Nikka C. Gaddi brought their voices offline to the streets. Influencers like Christian Antolin, vlogger Mika Salamanca, and Ivana Alawi also showed support.
Other big names, including Jericho Rosales, Tuesday Vargas, Edu Manzano, Piolo Pascual, Kim Chiu, power couple Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli, and KATSEYE member Sophia Laforteza, also used their platforms to voice frustration over the alleged misuse of public funds.
The sight of celebrities, influencers, students, and ordinary Filipinos marching together is a reminder that accountability is everyone’s business. You don’t need a stage, a crown, or a trending hashtag to demand honesty from leaders. You just need the courage to speak up.
In a time when it feels easier to scroll past bad news or stay neutral, the message from the Sept. 21 anti-corruption protest is clear: silence enables the oppressor. Taking a stand, even in small ways, matters. If the country’s biggest stars can brave the streets for accountability, so can we
