Groups protest brownouts, corruption ahead of martial law anniversary

By Juliane Judilla

ILOILO CITY — Cause-oriented groups staged a picket Friday, Sept. 18, at Plazoleta Gay in Iloilo City. They denounced recurring brownouts, the privatization of social services such as water and public markets, and alleged corruption in government.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Panay and the Panay Energy Alliance led the activity. It is part of a series of protest actions leading up to the Sept. 21 mobilization against corruption and the 54th anniversary of the declaration of martial law.

The groups said the worsening power crisis and recurring flooding from heavy rains have further exposed what they described as a lack of accountability among government leaders.

The protest comes as the power supply deficit in the Visayas has widened to about 400 megawatts (MW) this week, raising the likelihood of longer and wider rotational brownouts across the region.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said Monday, Sept. 14, that the Visayas is likely to remain under power-supply pressure into 2027, with yellow and red alerts expected to persist while the government fast-tracks the operation of battery energy storage systems and power barges.

The groups specifically criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, whom they accused of evading responsibility for problems confronting the public.

“While the people suffer from brownouts, lack of water, flooding even after light rains, and insufficient budgets for social services, our leaders are spending the funds that should supposedly be for the people,” said Raoul Manuel of Kahublagan Kontra Kurapsyon.

The groups also opposed the privatization of essential public services. They argued that water and public markets should remain accessible to the public rather than be treated primarily as business ventures.

Samantha Herbolario of the Panay Consumers Alliance (PCA) said recent mass mobilizations showed the capacity of ordinary Filipinos to come together and demand accountability from government officials.

“Last year, we saw how the people came together, with thousands taking to the streets. Now, once again, we will continue to make our demands until someone is held accountable,” Herbolario said.

Thousands joined anti-corruption rallies nationwide on Sept. 21, 2025, amid the scandal over anomalous flood control projects.

Matthew Gonzaga of Anakbayan Panay underscored the historical significance of Sept. 21. That is the date of Proclamation No. 1081, which then-President Ferdinand E. Marcos, father of the current president, signed to place the Philippines under martial law in 1972. The proclamation was publicly announced on Sept. 23, 1972.

Gonzaga drew parallels between the issues the groups raised and those of the martial law period.

“Just like during Martial Law, the same things are happening today, 54 years later: widespread corruption, violations of human rights, and services being turned into businesses by only a few people who hold power,” he said.

The organizers said the picket forms part of broader mobilizations ahead of Sept. 21.

They urged the public to join planned protests across the region and to keep demanding accountability on corruption, public services, energy problems, and other issues affecting communities.

Sept. 21 schedule

In Iloilo City, the mobilization will begin at 9 a.m. at the General Luna Flyover. Participants will then march to the Office of the Ombudsman in Iloilo at 11 a.m.

In Roxas City, Capiz, participants will gather for a 3 p.m. march from the Civic Center to the Roxas City Plaza Bandstand, where a program will follow.

In Aklan, an indoor forum is scheduled at 1 p.m. It will be followed by a 3 p.m. march to the Crossing Banga-New Washington, where another program will be held.