On September 21, 2025, the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law in the Philippines, thousands of Filipinos filled the streets of EDSA and Luneta to stand their ground against corruption. Collectively known as the September 21 protests, the whole day comprised two monumental movements for communities from all walks of life to let their voices be heard.
Some Filipinos gathered at Luneta for the Baha sa Luneta rally, spearheaded by youth organizations and creative collectives. Others mobilized to the EDSA People Power Monument for the Trillion Peso March, where labor unions and church groups amplified the country’s grievances regarding its flood control systems (and lack thereof).
Photo: Maris Racal (Instagram), Angat Buhay (Facebook)
No matter where Filipinos spoke up for justice that day, they proudly partook in the public’s unified goals: ultimately putting an end to the country’s deep-seated corruption and denouncing the people in power who had kept it in place for so long.
Various celebrities joined the crowds of thousands at EDSA and Luneta. Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Catriona Gray, Maris Racal, Darren Espanto, Donny Pangilinan, and many other notable names in entertainment were in attendance. Content creators and influencers also joined the fight for justice alongside every generation of Filipinos with the same plight.
All these names at the September 21 protests are more than just headlines deserving of our praise. Their powerful speeches, chants, and placards aren’t theirs alone. They also signify the country’s restless fight for a future that nurtures people’s dreams and uplifts their livelihoods. These are just a few of the takeaways that every Filipino can gain from celebrities and their contributions to the nationwide rallies.
Prioritize the Present for a Hopeful Future
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When celebrities took to social media to support the September 21 protests, netizens were quick to unearth their shortcomings and “cancellable” moments. Maris, for instance, still received comments about her previous controversy with Anthony Jennings, which skewed the public’s focus on her dedication to the anti-corruption protests. On the other hand, fans saw a redemption arc in her fearlessness at the rallies.
Ultimately, however, Filipino celebrities’ scandals shouldn’t directly correlate to their current efforts for the futures of their fellow citizens. Not when they’ve already learned and grown from them. Placing too much value on these public figures’ wrongdoings and using them as “gotcha moments” won’t get us anywhere, especially if they have nothing to do with the more pressing realities at hand.
In fact, this undermines their meaningful contributions toward a hopeful shift in society. And haven’t we always strived for a future guided by compassion and good governance? It’s high time we focus on celebrities’ helpful actions and redirect our outrage toward the corruption and injustice that have plagued Filipinos throughout history.
Make a Case for Influence and Free Speech
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When all eyes are on the artists we admire, they ought to use their time in the spotlight for a good cause. What better way to maximize their influence and impact than at the September 21 protests?
Every celebrity in attendance bravely walked the streets of EDSA and Luneta, encouraging Filipinos to join them in inciting eye-opening discussions that go beyond their prominence in show business. They lit a fire in people’s hearts, and they’ll definitely keep it burning in all their future projects and onscreen appearances.
Silence is Complicity
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Whether you have 100, 10,000, or one million followers, you have a voice and a platform that shouldn’t go to waste. Now, more than ever, speaking up and showing up matter. If there’s anything we can learn from previous generations, who did the same at the height of the EDSA Revolution, it’s that we should always speak the truth, even if our voices shake.
There’s no use staying silent on large-scale injustices that concern every Filipino. Refusing to stand your ground when it’s most necessary only leaves more room for these harmful issues to prevail.
Make Time to Make a Change
Photo: Gabbi Garcia, Elijah Canlas/Instagram
Gabbi Garcia still made it to the September 21 protests, having just wrapped up Bench Fashion Week the day before. Julia Barretto spent her morning at the rallies and attended a brand event right after. Elijah Canlas also got to say his piece at the protests, even if he had to perform in the stage adaptation of Dagitab (a Cinemalaya 2014 entry) later that day.
If these artists could take time out of their hectic schedules to join the nation’s fight for justice, then so can you. Even if you weren’t physically present at the rallies, it only takes a few minutes to read up on them and share purposeful stories about the historic events.
Staying informed and helping others do the same is also part of taking a stand. Everyone is showing up in ways they can. As the saying goes, “Kapag gusto, laging mayroong paraan.”
Recognize Equal Human Rights
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Celebrities are well-respected public figures. If we look past their renowned and high-profile statuses, they’re Filipinos, too, like us and everyone they stood with at the protests. We share the same rights, responsibilities, duties, and most importantly, the same calls for justice and action against corruption.
Corruption affects every Filipino, regardless of our social statuses. Nobody is spared from the crimes and disparities that corruption brings forth. These persistent issues have deprived countless citizens of their rights and means of living. We stay united in our urgent calls to stop this disheartening cycle of distrust, crises, and disturbing truths that every generation has endured.
ALSO READ: LOOK: Vice Ganda, Catriona Gray, and Other Celebrities Join Anti-Corruption Protests
Did you participate in the September 21 protests? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!
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