“White ribbon” march returns to EDSA as groups demand jail for corrupt officials

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A NEW wave of mass action is set for EDSA on June 28 as faith groups and civil society revive the “Trillion Peso March,” renewing calls for accountability and political reform.

Organizers said the event will carry the name “White Ribbon Movement March,” and will be led by the InterReligious Leaders’ Council for National Transformation under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

At a press briefing, Kidapawan Bishop Colin Bagaforo, convenor of the CBCP InterReligious Leaders’ Council for National Transformation, said the mobilization is rooted in faith-based reflection and collective responsibility.

“We will have a big rally this June 28, 2026 and we will do this at the People Power Monument. It will be led by the Inter-Religious Leaders Council for National Transformation. We emphasize that this rally is therefore faith-based, faith-generated and the product of discernment by the council formed through prayer, listening and shared responsibility before God,” Bagaforo said in a Philstar report.

He added that the initiative is grounded in a belief that governance should reflect justice and public welfare, saying better leadership must be guided by principles that protect human dignity rather than self-interest.

Bagaforo said the rally aims to renew public pressure on government leaders to address corruption and governance concerns, and stressed that participants will begin marching at noon toward the People Power Monument.

He also said those implicated in corruption should be held accountable and jailed, while pushing for reforms that include stronger action against political dynasties and broader electoral changes. He emphasized the need to revise existing mechanisms in the political system in line with constitutional principles on dynasties and reform.

Organizers said the rally will bring together religious groups, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, and sectors including farmers, fisherfolk, and labor groups. Bagaforo also said participants will be encouraged to pray for transformation among political leaders and those accused of wrongdoing.

A previous series of Trillion Peso March rallies was held in connection with allegations involving ghost projects in government.

“We invite all religious organizations, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, educational associations, farm workers, fishermen, laborers to join and rally with us, together we will pray, we will pray that God will hear our prayers and may the hearts of our political leaders, may the hearts of those who are guilty, may they change and listen to the voice of the people and to the voice of the Lord,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian dismissed allegations from former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano that the new Senate leadership would attempt to cover up individuals linked to a flood control corruption controversy.

Speaking in a radio interview over dzMM, Gatchalian said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, chaired by Sen. Erwin Tulfo, will continue its investigation, which was initiated last year under former chair Panfilo Lacson.

He said the committee remains committed to pursuing the inquiry, despite accusations of interference or concealment raised in public statements by some political figures.

Addressing claims involving 18 alleged “bagmen” linked to fugitive Zaldy Co, Gatchalian said they had been invited to a June 8 Blue Ribbon consultative meeting but instead held a press briefing at the office of Sen. Robin Padilla.

He said they were given the opportunity to present their account but chose a different venue, adding that this limited their chance to formally substantiate their allegations.

Gatchalian also urged them to submit sworn affidavits supporting their claims that kickbacks were delivered in suitcases to lawmakers and officials, instead of relying on public statements alone.

He also said the Senate would cooperate with the Supreme Court, which is hearing petitions challenging the constitutionality of unprogrammed appropriations and alleged budget insertions in the General Appropriations Act.

In a separate interview in Cebu City, Sen. Risa Hontiveros echoed Gatchalian’s position, rejecting suggestions of a cover-up and noting that the individuals involved were invited to the Senate inquiry but did not attend.

Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto III also reacted to recent statements by Cayetano, saying, “It’s not good for the country. Let’s move on to more urgent issues to help our countrymen.”(MyTVCebu)