Manila, Philippines – The Church Leaders Council for National Transformation, organizers of the September 21
Trillion Peso March, extends its heartfelt gratitude to the thousands who filled the EDSA People Power
Monument with white shirts, white ribbons, and fervent prayers for the nation. The massive turnout was a
powerful show of unity against corruption and impunity.
Bishop Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines, remarked that “the Filipino people showed yesterday
that our patience with corruption has run out. What we saw at EDSA was not anger for anger’s sake—it was
righteous indignation. It was the voice of the poor, the workers, the youth, and ordinary families saying: Tama na.
Sobra na. Ikulong na.”
Bishop Robbie Gaa of Novaliches and co-convenor of CLCNT echoed this, saying, “we thank the thousands who
stood shoulder to shoulder in prayer and protest. But our work does not end with one march. Now, we challenge
President Marcos Jr. to act decisively—not by shielding anyone, but by letting the truth come out. He must prove
that no official, however powerful, is untouchable.”
The CLCNT issued five urgent demands to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (PBBM):
1. Expedite investigation, trial, imprisonment, and restitution.
2. Conduct a thorough lifestyle check by requiring government officials to submit and publicize real SALNs,
including those of the president.
3. End political family dynasties, remove pork barrel and confidential funds, and criminalize budget insertions,
including those under the Office of the President.
4. Create avenues for people’s participation in budget deliberations to ensure transparency and accountability.
5. Ethicality, morality, and integrity are demanded of all legislators, department heads, and personnel of the
government.
The bishops also directed a strong appeal to the nation’s youth. Bishop Bagaforo said, “young people, your
voices are powerful. Be the warriors of truth in the digital space. Use your platforms to challenge lies, expose
corruption, and defend the common good.”
Bishop Gaa added, “history is shaped not only by leaders, but by ordinary citizens who refuse to stay silent.
Yesterday proved that Filipinos are ready to reclaim integrity in public service. We urge the President—be the
kind of leader this moment demands: transparent, accountable, and just.”
Fr. Antonio Labiao, head of the CLCNT steering committee, stressed that “the Trillion Peso March is just the
beginning of a larger movement for truth and justice.”
The bishops concluded that the people will remain vigilant until corruption is uprooted, stolen wealth is returned,
and governance truly serves the nation’s poor and marginalized.