Palace appeals for peaceful Sept. 21 demonstrations

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Wednesday urged protesters planning to join the Sept. 21 rallies to remain peaceful as they air their grievances.

At a briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said police units have heightened security preparations for the rallies set for Sept. 21, which marks the 54th anniversary of the declaration of martial law. Groups will also protest alleged government corruption linked to the flood control controversy.

READ: 129 cops, 76 civilians hurt in riot after Sept. 21 anti-corruption protests

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Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. listens to the concerns of rallyists and does not prevent them from expressing their views during such gatherings. However, she said there is no need for violence or loss of life.

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“For now, the government continues to carry out projects and provide assistance to our fellow Filipinos, while ensuring that those allegedly involved in the anomalous flood control projects are held accountable,” she said.

“Our only prayer and appeal to our fellow Filipinos is this: You have the right to speak out, and you have the right to call for change. We only ask that you do so peacefully. You have the right to air your grievances so that your concerns can be heard and conveyed to the government,” she added.

READ: Cayetano, Lacson spar over anti-corruption drive

Castro also said the Marcos administration’s actions on the flood control controversy should be considered in assessing protesters’ calls for the president to resign.

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Her remarks came as the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) urged Marcos to step down due to issues of supposed systemic corruption.

The group also said the arrest of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez is only the beginning of efforts to hold those allegedly involved in the anomalous flood control projects accountable, adding that all roads will eventually lead to Malacañang.

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“We can see the actions being taken by the president with the assistance of other agencies, with cases being promptly filed after the evidence has been reviewed,” Castro said.

She also noted that the Office of the Ombudsman has acted based on the evidence it found.

“What more do these people want? It seems that nothing satisfies them anymore. But still, that is probably what they will always say. As we have said, there are people who see nothing but the negative in the government, and we cannot stop them if that is what they choose to pursue in life,” she added.

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The Sept. 21 rally in 2025 resulted in one death and 76 injuries after rioters clad in black and wearing masks clashed with police at the foot of Ayala Bridge and set a trailer on fire near the road leading to Malacañang Palace. /mcm