All set for anti-corruption marches in Iloilo, Bacolod on Nov. 30

By Juliane Judilla and Dolly Yasa

Organizers have confirmed that preparations are complete for the Nov. 30 anti-corruption mobilizations in the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod, with various groups urging everyone to unite and take to the streets in protest.

The mobilization is led by Kahublagan Kontra Kurapsyon (KKK), a coalition advocating for transparency and accountability in government, and its youth counterpart Pamatan-on Kontra Kurapsyon (PAKK).

In a statement, KKK said the rally is timely and necessary amid what it described as ongoing political distractions and threats.

“Amid political drama, disinformation and threats, we shall not back down in the task of going after corrupt people in power and working towards social transformation,” the group said.

PAKK, which represents youth and student voices, called on young people to actively participate in the demonstration as education remains one of the most underfunded sectors in the country.

“While our classrooms remain overcrowded and our teachers overworked, public funds continue to disappear into questionable programs and bloated expenditures,” PAKK said.

“It is precisely in such moments that our generation is called to act,” the group added.

One month before the event, the mobilization received an official endorsement from Archbishop Midyphil Billones of the Archdiocese of Jaro.

In Circular 007/07/2025 dated Oct. 31, 2025, the archbishop encouraged Roman Catholic faithful in Iloilo City to join the mobilization and continue participating in faith-based and educational efforts against corruption.

“This urgent call of the Holy Father awakens us to the moral and spiritual decay brought about by corruption,” Archbishop Billones said.

“It challenges every believer to stand firm in honesty, accountability and moral renewal,” he added.

Organizers said the Nov. 30 event coincides with Bonifacio Day and the feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle, which they believe strengthens the symbolism behind the rally.

Andres Bonifacio, leader of the Philippine Revolution against Spain, founded the Katipunan, a movement of workers and ordinary citizens fighting for national liberation.

Saint Andrew the Apostle, born into a fishing community, was one of Jesus’ 12 apostles and is regarded as a symbol of service and calling for the marginalized.

“Both Saint Andrew and Andres Bonifacio—models of faith and conviction—inspire us to live with integrity and bravery, building a community rooted in truth and justice,” KKK said.

“Guided by these values, we reject any form of evasion by top officials from public scrutiny and the highest standards of accountability,” the group added.

The mobilization will begin at 1 p.m., with assembly points at Jaro Plaza and the Infante Flyover in front of the University of the Philippines Visayas Iloilo City Campus.

Participants will march toward the Iloilo Provincial Capitol for the main program.

Meanwhile, in Bacolod City, a multi-sectoral coalition is set to mobilize thousands of Negrenses on Nov. 30 for a large-scale anti-corruption march and rally amid growing national outrage over alleged trillion-peso anomalies in flood control projects.

In a statement to local media Friday, organizers said the Bacolod mobilization is spearheaded by TAMA NA–Negros (Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance), a movement promoting transparency, accountability, justice and respect for constitutional processes in government.

The coalition is composed of 27 organizations, including people’s groups, NGOs, civil society organizations, business leaders, professionals, educators, media practitioners, youth groups, transport collectives, science and technology advocates, and anti-corruption watchdogs.

Former Negros Occidental Governor Rafael Lito Coscolluela is leading the alliance, which will march with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bacolod and the One Negros Ecumenical Council.

Organizers expect around 7,000 participants, including young activists from the Katipunan ng mga Kabataan Laban sa Korapsyon.

Timed with the commemoration of Bonifacio Day, the rally aims to invoke the revolutionary legacy of Andres Bonifacio and reaffirm public resistance against systemic corruption.

TAMA NA–Negros is calling for an independent audit of government infrastructure and development projects, along with full transparency in budgets, contracts and the use of confidential funds.

The group also urged stronger public oversight and accountability mechanisms, justice through restitution—including the return of ill-gotten wealth—and adherence to constitutional processes, especially amid recent calls for extra-constitutional reforms.

The alliance stressed that accountability must apply to “all heads of government offices, institutions and agencies—whoever they may be.”

TAMA NA–Negros encouraged Negrenses to join the movement in defense of good governance and to stand against corruption that disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized.

“As the nation navigates these challenging times, we call on all Negrenses to stand with us for transparency, accountability, restitution and respect for the Constitution,” the group said.

The event is expected to be one of the largest coordinated anti-corruption actions in Negros in recent years, underscoring rising public demand for reform, transparency and integrity in government.