Thousands
of Filipinos across the country joined the launch of the White Friday Protest,
a weekly nationwide noise barrage and candle-lighting campaign organized by the
Trillion Peso March Movement (TPMM) to demand accountability and transparency
in government spending.
The
historic 10.10 launch, marked by simultaneous gatherings from Metro Manila to
Cebu, Iloilo, and Bacolod, transformed streets, churches, and community spaces
into hubs of peaceful protest and collective prayer. Supporters wore white and
carried whistles, pots, torotots, and candles — symbols of vigilance, unity,
and resistance against corruption.
“This
is a continuing protest — a people’s unwavering quest for truth, justice, and
reform,” said Fr. Tony Labiao, Lead Convenor of TPMM, during the noise barrage
and candle lighting at the main hub, EDSA Shrine.
The
launch drew strong moral backing from the Catholic Church. Cardinal Jose
Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, issued a pastoral letter calling all parishes
to deliver the Oratio Imperata, a prayer for the nation’s cleansing from
corruption. At 8:00 PM, churches across the Archdiocese rang their bells — a
gesture Cardinal Advincula described as “a prophetic cry of indignation and
outrage against the evil of corruption, and a resounding call to contrition and
conversion.”
Modeled
after the landmark Million People March of 2013, the Trillion Peso March
Movement represents a new wave of citizen engagement. But unlike a one-day
protest, this movement seeks to build a sustained, nationwide campaign for
truth, accountability, and reform.
Participants
are encouraged to join weekly White Friday actions — from school and office
breaks at 12:00 noon, to 6:00 PM rush-hour protests, and 8:00 PM synchronized
candle lighting and prayers. Citizens are urged to post photos and videos using
hashtags such as #TrillionPesoMarch, #Kalampag, and #BusinaProtesta to amplify
their call for justice.
“Magpapatuloy
ang pangangalampag hangga’t hindi seryosong maparusahan ang mga korap,” TPMM
organizers declared.
As
the movement gains traction, organizers are envisioning a broader evolution —
what supporters now call the “Trillion People March Movement.”
“This
is about sustained accountability and civic awakening,” said Atty. Howie
Calleja, TPMM Spokesperson. “The goal is not only to expose corruption but to
reform the systems that allow it to persist.”
The
weekly White Friday protests are expected to continue through the rest of 2025
— potentially culminating in large-scale assemblies by early 2026 if momentum
holds.
For
now, the ringing of bells and the clamor of pots and whistles every Friday
night signal something deeper — not just outrage, but a renewal of civic
consciousness and people power.
MEDIA
CONTACTS
Trillion
Peso March Movement (TPMM)
Fr.
Tony Labiao — Diocese of Novaliches — 0917 103 4493
Fr.
Wilmer Tria — CEAP — 0918 916 0298
Fr.
Albert Delvo — MAPSA — 0917 815 1884
Atty.
Howie Calleja — Spokesperson — 0918 820 1220
Judy
Ann Miranda — Public Advocacy and Actions Committee — 0917 557 0777
