By Andy Fuentebella

By Kiera De Guzman

As the ground trembled beneath the mass of a million footsteps, a river of white flooded the streets. The air hummed with hope, and the people refused to stay silent any longer. They stood taller, their shoulders bearing the weight of injustice,  a load that has come to be too heavy to ignore.

As corruption flooded the Philippines, the month of September was alive with the angry voices of citizens. On a specific Sunday, the 21st of September, Luneta and EDSA had thundered with protest. 

The Trillion Peso March began at 2:00 p.m., shortly after the rally at Luneta, signifying both a shift and the gathering of an even greater force. What was once silent had erupted into a powerful chorus of voices — students, teachers, and citizens alike, united under one demand: an end to corruption in the Philippines.

In the midst of the crowded street, each person held onto a story, an unseen reason bearing the weight of their presence that day. Among them, a group of people held their heads high, their hearts sewn with the thread of blue and white. 

The Atenean Voice Amid the Protest

Ateneo was well represented, bearing their flag with pride and purpose. They stood in solidarity, as both students and faculty came together, standing in defense of the truth and raising their voices in a united call for justice.

“I’m glad that the Ateneo is really vocal, lalo na yung mga pari! [especially the priests!] I saw them there, Father Bobby was in front of the group,” shared Ms. Eunice Mina, an English teacher and the Council of Student Organizations Moderator. For her, it was a reminder that the values instilled in Ateneo go far beyond the walls of the classroom and are lived out daily in the pursuit of truth.

“My guiding force is that we should strike a balance between being religious and being spiritual; spiritual in a sense that we use this knowledge of the teachings of the church, of Ignatius, of Ateneo, in doing something for our community,” she expounded, highlighting the importance of instilling spiritual values as a compass to stand up for what is right. To her, the spiritual values she holds are the north star that navigates her path toward doing what’s right, so she, along with the rest of the Filipino, people can build a good, and in this case, a corruption-free, future

In essence, our spirituality is the foundation of our character, our guiding force towards truth, love, and all that is good. “True faith in God is not just about prayer, but in living out our actions of love for others that may bring justice to them,” said Carizze Saulong from 12-Grodecky, demonstrating how, as students, those who showed up that day used what they’ve been taught to make a meaningful impact in the Filipino community. These students made sure to be present, driven by strong beliefs and thorough education, which guided them toward a path of integrity.

In the face of injustice, they marched forward, and with each step, there was a noticeable shift in the air — a renewed sense of hope for the youth and what their future could become. 

“Change cannot be done if no one speaks up. No one will know your dissatisfaction until you make it known. That is why it’s so important to fight and stand up for what is right on a fundamental level. Especially as students. We are the hope of the country, the future of the world. What kind of future do we have if we all live in complacency?” shared Kia Moya from 12-Grodecky, who was also there that day, emphasizing the importance of raising our voices and standing up in response to injustices. 

Every person showed up with a purpose, not only was the raw emotion of anger heard in their voices as they chanted, but the strong will and courage to fight for the truth. United by the collective experience of constantly being wronged by our leaders, they protested that day not just to resist, but to reclaim what was taken from them. 

From the Past to the Future

Notably, this hasn’t been the first time a protest has taken place on the streets of EDSA. 

First etched into history by the Filipinos during the People Power Revolution on February 22, 1986, as a stand against the Marcos regime during Martial Law, EDSA still serves as a ground for change in the Philippines, a lasting symbol for freedom and the ongoing fight for the rights of the Filipino people until now. 

“I was there in EDSA1 in 1986. I was a 4th-year high school student in the ADMU,” said Sir Luis Melosantos, now a math teacher in Ateneo. From then to now, he has always made it a point to ensure he was part of the rally. 

“The individual cry of protest defines the course of history. It is always important to protest against all forms of injustice. In the case of corruption, to keep silent is to give our quiet assent to all the thievery going on right on our faces,” he continued, expressing his dedication to the cause he advocates for.  As an educator, he saw himself as not just someone who teaches mathematics, but a guardian of truth. Guiding young minds and helping them carry forward in pursuit of the truth, his presence was not only a statement made but also a source of inspiration to his students. 

Even after a span of 38 years, students and teachers have remained steadfast in their commitment, showing up not just for themselves, but for the better future of the nation. Recognizing the state of our country is also recognizing the urgent challenges that threaten a sustainable future for the youth. 

The Youths Call for Change

And as awareness ignites between the people, a call for change sparks among the students. Urging them to fight not only against those in power but also to protect and secure their own individual future. 

“Given that this fight is for the future of our country and the future these students will be living in, I believe that taking an active role in these protests is a testament to how we, as students of today, have to put in efforts as leaders of tomorrow,”  Carizze Saulong from 12-Grodecky emphasized, as she too was one of the many hearts united in the protest, carrying the weight of the future on top of her shoulders. 

These children, not yet fully adults, had courageously marched alongside the people. To them, it was more than speaking out against corruption, it was the fight for the promise of a better tomorrow for themselves. 

“I am someone who dreams of living a safe and brighter future in the Philippines. However, that cannot be attainable if our current political system keeps going on from generation to generation,” Alberta Donato from 11-Grande shared, her words reflect the harsh reality we face if we fail to stand against injustice, “This is why I firmly believe it is important to advocate for change in times like these.”

Together, they marched for the shared future they all hope for, a better Philippines where integrity is not rare and the truth is not punished. For the sake of the Filipino people: the youth, the silenced, the marginalized, and every community repeatedly wronged by those in power.

“Corruption is the parasite that has been draining the Philippines for far too long. We’re trapped in a problem that has systematically ingrained itself in our society as a whole,” explained Kia Moya from 12-Grodecky. “This is why it’s so important to fight it. I do not want to live in a country, I don’t want the future generations to live in a country that encourages failure of basic human decency. We as a country could do so much, if everyone tried to do what’s best for their country and not for their own personal desires.”

On that day, Filipinos from all walks of life came together at one place and time, carrying with them the voices of those who refuse to fall victim to injustice again. United not only through the collective experience of being wronged by the government, but the vision of a better future. 

Their steps were heavier, their voices louder, and their hearts beating faster. That day, each person on EDSA carried not just their own weight, but the collective burden of a nation’s yearning for justice and change. 

And that rally was just the beginning. That day marked not just a moment of unity, but the start of an enduring movement. The Trillion-Peso March will stage anti-corruption protests every Friday from October 10 to November 30, determined to be heard until meaningful change takes place.As the future of the Philippines sat at the palm of unjust hands, it is time the Filipino people reclaimed what was originally theirs. The Trillion Peso March was not only a rally, it was the echoing of voices united for change. For in the eyes of tomorrow — our hearts will continue to resonate, the truth will remain alive, and our actions will be etched in time.