Why September 21 is significant for the Philippines’ past and future
In two days, thousands of Filipinos are expected to take to the streets once more to protest both a past and a present — each a dark chapter in the nation’s history, linked by corruption, and both under a Marcos presidency.
On September 21, the Philippines will mark the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law by Ferdinand Marcos Sr. From 1972 to 1981, this regime imprisoned tens of thousands, tortured many, and oversaw thousands of deaths and disappearances.
Today, the country finds itself under another Marcos — Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the son and namesake. Under his administration, investigations have uncovered alleged large-scale corruption in flood-control projects, some never built and others left incomplete.
Central to the public anger are allegations that over half of the P1.9 trillion ($33 billion) allocated for flood-control projects in the past 15 years has vanished through graft.
The scandal has already forced an ugly political fallout. The Public Works Secretary resigned, while the House Speaker and Senate President were both replaced within weeks after being linked to the scandal.
Marcos Jr. has vowed that “no one will be spared” in the investigations, calling the moment an inflection point for his presidency. In an unusual move, he has even voiced support for the rallies, saying he shared the public’s anger.
For many Filipinos, September 21 is not just about remembering the past but about confronting the present, and demanding a future free from corruption.
Hundreds of civic groups have pledged to join, and even schools long considered neutral have issued statements condemning corruption and urging accountability. Smaller protests have already taken place in the week leading up to the anniversary.
With recent protests in Nepal and Indonesia raising fears of contagion, the Philippine armed forces have been placed on red alert. Marcos Jr. has appealed for demonstrations to remain peaceful.
In a country that once taught the world how to oust a dictator without violence, anger is again rising — and on September 21, it may once again flood the streets.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
