Philippines: Bishop joins call to protest corruption, injustice on martial law anniversary

Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos of Antipolo expressed his support for the rallies denouncing corruption and injustice coinciding with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on September 21.

“On the solemn day of September 21, 2025, we will gather not only in remembrance, but in righteous resolve,” he said in a pastoral message on Sunday. “Fifty-three years will have passed since Martial Law was declared–a time that wounded our nation’s soul. And on that day, our young people will rise again, not in violence, but in truth. They will march not with swords, but with conviction. And I, as your shepherd, will walk with them in spirit and prayer.”

He stressed that it is just and proper for the Filipino youth to march in the streets in protest of corruption that strips people of dignity, safety, and hope.

“The billions of pesos stolen from flood control projects are not mere figures; they represent stolen homes, drowned crops, shattered futures,” Santos said. “These are sins against the poor, against the nation, and against God.”

He noted that the commandment against stealing is a divine law, and stressed that politicians, contractors, and public works officials who violated it with impunity must be held accountable.

“But to our young people, I say this with love and urgency: remain peaceful,” Santos said. “Let your voices thunder, and your hands stay clean. Do not let anger consume you.”

The prelate reminded the youth that the Lord is mindful of their suffering and attentive to their cries.

Two separate protests are set on September 21: one at Luneta Park in Manila, led by students and youth groups, and another at the People Power Monument in Quezon City, organized by Catholic and Protestant leaders.

The protests will coincide with the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, a period marked by the closure of major newspapers, the arrest of journalists on charges of subversion and other offences, and the abolition of Congress. Human rights groups documented thousands of cases of extrajudicial killings, torture, and imprisonment, along with hundreds of enforced disappearances.

“Let this march become a prayer in motion,” Santos said. “Let it serve as a witness to the world that the Filipino youth are not apathetic; they are awake.”