Several Filipino celebrities and OPM artists attended the second leg of nationwide protests on November 30, standing in solidarity with the Filipino people in their demand for accountability.
Photo: Rappler/Instagram, Philippines-Palestine Friendship Association/Facebook, and Paolo Benjamin/Instagram
These anti-corruption protests called out the alleged corruption in anomalous flood control projects, misuse of public funds, and other forms of government corruption.
Here are the Filipino celebrities who joined the nationwide protests:
Catriona Gray
Miss Universe 2018 titleholder Catriona Gray delivered a powerful speech before thousands of protestors at the Trillion Peso March on White Plains Avenue.
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In her speech, she called on senators to suspend their colleagues who were involved in the corruption scandal involving anomalous flood control projects.
“To the Ombudsman, file the cases now. To the senators, suspend the senators implicated, and to the congress, pass the anti-political dynasty bill,” Catriona said in a speech.
She also emphasized the demand for accountability and justice, highlighting that today’s generation would not allow corruption to win.
“They said that Filipinos have a short memory, that it’s easy for us to forgive and forget, but believe us when we say that we will not forget what you did, and no one will move on unless no one gets accountable… We are the generation that will not let corruption win,” she added.
The beauty queen previously brought her advocacy to the streets during the September 21 protests.
Maris Racal
Maris Racal proudly carried a sign that read “No to dynasty of thieves” as she stood in solidarity with the Philippines-Palestine Friendship Association (PPFA).
The “Sunshine” actress previously joined PPFA during the September 21 protests.
“These struggles are interconnected. To stand for Palestine is to resist every form of injustice against humanity,” the organization wrote in a Facebook post. “Real freedom and justice are never handed to us—they are fought for, relentlessly and unapologetically.”
Elijah Canlas
Elijah Canlas once again showed his solidarity in demanding transparency and accountability as he showed up at the Trillion Peso March at the People Power Monument in EDSA.
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“Actually may trabaho ako mamaya, may trabaho ako ng hapon, may trabaho ako ng gabi pero I made sure to come here tonight [at] makiisa sa lahat ng mga Pilipino na pagod na pagod na, na gustong i-boses at gustong lumaban makibaka ka kasama ng mga kapwa Pilipino natin,” Elijah said in an interview with GMA News.
He added: “No pressure naman ‘yan, sarili-sariling choice naman tayo, iba-iba tayo ng pananaw sa buhay. Pero at the same time kung hindi ka pa mulat, kailan pa?”
The 25-year-old actor previously attended the morning program of the September 21 protests at the People Power Monument on EDSA, condemning corrupt officials and calling them “best actors.”
Maki
Maki walked the talk as he joined the lineup of performers during the protests at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
The OPM singer-songwriter, who firmly believes in music’s power to spark conversations and move people toward change, shared the stage among thousands of protesters as he performed his hit song “Namumula.”
Ben&Ben
Ben&Ben was one of the performers during the protest at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
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The indie-folk band performed “Makapangyarihan,” a track that has become a staple in recent movements because of how its message was interpreted over time.
Amiel Sol
“Sa Bawat Sandali” singer-songwriter Amiel Sol was among the performers at the protests held at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
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Over October
Over October joined the lineup of performers at the protest staged at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.
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In an Instagram post, the OPM band called for holding corrupt officials accountable and putting an end to political dynasties in public office.
“End Corruption, End Dynasties! Ilantad ang Katotohanan! Ikulong ang mga Kurap! Ibalik ang mga Ninakaw! Igalang ang Konstitusyon! Ipanalo ang sambayanan, ipasa ang Anti-Dynasty Bill!” the band wrote.
Pokwang
In an Instagram story, Pokwang shared a video clip of herself with protesters as they marched at the Trillion Peso March.
Photo: Pokwang/Instagram Story
“Para sa mga anak ko at apo,” she wrote.
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