End Corruption: ‘HIndependence Day’ Rally Rocks Cebu
2 min read
JUNE 13,2025
CEBU CITY, Philippines — On June 12, Cebu-based progressive groups marked the 127th Philippine Independence Day with a rally dubbed “HIndependence Day.” The event took place at Gaisano Metro Colon and was led by Bayan Central Visayas and its allied organizations.
Participants from Anakbayan, Kadamay, AMA-Sugbo-KMU, Gabriela, and Kabataan Partylist joined the demonstration. These groups have long advocated for social justice, especially for students, workers, and urban poor communities.
According to Jaime Paglinawan, Chairperson of Bayan Central Visayas, the rally’s purpose was to send a strong message.
“We held this rally to show that the Filipino people still have not achieved real freedom,” he said.
End Corruption: Why “HIndependence Day”?
Paglinawan explained that the term “HIndependence” symbolized the absence of genuine independence in the country. He emphasized that government corruption continues to thrive and has even become a business for some politicians.
“Corruption keeps going. For many politicians, it’s now a business,” he added.
Protesters Slam Confidential Funds, Lack of Services
One of the key issues raised was the misuse of public funds. Protesters criticized the government’s continued allocation of confidential funds, especially those given to Vice President Sara Duterte.
“How can we escape poverty when huge amounts still go to politicians’ confidential funds?” Paglinawan asked.
Moreover, he noted the lack of basic services, especially in the education sector. According to him, the country still needs around 165,000 classrooms—a figure that shows how far the education system is from meeting national demand.
“Education remains neglected. There’s a huge gap in classroom availability,” he said.
Senate Under Fire for Handling Impeachment Complaint
Paglinawan also criticized the Senate’s response to the impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte. He accused senators of acting like her defense lawyers instead of treating the case impartially.
“It’s painful. Instead of acting as judges, they protected her,” he said.
Government Spending Priorities Questioned
The protest didn’t just stop at education. Paglinawan pointed out the government’s lavish spending on non-essentials, like perfumes and branded snacks. He argued that these expenditures show a lack of concern for urgent national issues.
“Why spend on luxury when people are hungry and homeless?” he asked.
End Corruption: A Call for Unity and Action
The crowd chanted, “Ang tao. Ang bayan. Ngayon ay lumalaban.”
(The people. The nation. Today, we fight.)
Despite critics claiming they politicized Independence Day, the organizers stood by their message. They insisted that expressing public frustration on such a symbolic day was not only relevant but necessary.
Paglinawan ended the rally with a call to action. He urged the urban poor, farmers, vendors, and students to unite and fight for transparency, education reform, and genuine freedom.
“They can’t hide the truth forever,” he concluded.
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