86 Catholic Dioceses Unite for Anti-Corruption Rally Across Philippines
In a powerful display of faith-based accountability, 86 Catholic dioceses across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao will join the second "Trillion Peso March" on Sunday, November 30, marking an unprecedented nationwide mobilization against corruption.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace (ECSA-JP) announced that local prayer rallies will be held simultaneously across the archipelago, representing what Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan calls "a broad, united stand against corruption."
Metro Manila Dioceses Lead by Example
In the National Capital Region, the Archdiocese of Manila alongside the dioceses of Cubao, Kalookan, Pasig, Novaliches, and Parañaque will participate in this sacred act of civic duty. The mobilization serves as a sequel to the September 21 rally that demanded accountability from government officials implicated in multi-billion peso corruption scandals.
The timing proves significant, coming just days after the Office of the Ombudsman filed corruption charges against former Ako-Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co and several Department of Public Works and Highways officials in connection with a questionable P289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
From Batanes to Basilan: A National Response
The geographic scope reflects the Philippines' rich diversity. Northern Luzon participants include the archdioceses of Nueva Segovia and Tuguegarao, while southern regions see participation from Cotabato and Zamboanga archdioceses. The Visayas contribution spans from Cebu to Catarman, demonstrating the Church's commitment to justice across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Notably absent is only one of the country's 87 dioceses and archdioceses, including the Military Ordinariate, highlighting near-universal Church support for anti-corruption efforts.
Peaceful Accountability, Not Revolution
The Trillion Peso March Movement emphasizes its commitment to lawful reform, explicitly rejecting efforts to destabilize the government or establish military rule. Instead, organizers demand the arrest and prosecution of corrupt officials and the return of stolen public funds.
Gatherings will center on Manila's historic protest venues, including the People Power Monument on EDSA, Luneta, and Mendiola, locations that carry deep significance in Philippine democratic history.
As investigations continue into flood control project anomalies, this Sunday's mobilization represents more than protest. It embodies the Filipino Catholic tradition of seeking justice through prayer and peaceful action, reinforcing the Church's role as moral guardian of public accountability.