With the occasion being used by members of the public to express their views and cincerns on the flood control corruption scandal.
On Monday, September 21, several groups such as the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot are expected to hold their protest in conjunction with the 54th anniversary of the Martial Law declaration of former President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.
The groups are expected to voice out their sentiments on the flood control corruption case, which has gripped the nation since 2025.
In response, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that 17,018 personnel have been deployed nationwide to maintain peace and order.
As part of the heightened security preparations, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) placed its units under Full Alert Status effective 12:01 an on Friday, September 18, with full deployment having started on the evening of September 19.
“Police units are maintaining close coordination with local government units and other concerned agencies while preparing to respond to situations that may arise,” the PNP said, adding that Nartatez has since directed personnel to exercise maximum tolerance, restraint, and professionalism, particularly during public assemblies.
“We are ready for the activities on September 21. Our job is to keep people safe while respecting their right to peacefully express themselves. Nakaantabay ang ating mga pulis, and I expect every personnel to exercise maximum tolerance, sound judgment, and professionalism,” Nartatez said.
He also called on participants to help keep the observance safe and orderly. “To those joining the activities, express your views peacefully, respect one another, and follow reasonable safety instructions when necessary. Kung may concern or emergency, approach our police personnel or responders. We are there to assist and ensure everyone’s safety,” he said.
Meanwhile, the police force also reminded the public to keep emergency routes and access points clear, avoid actions that may endanger others, and promptly report medical, safety, or security concerns to police personnel or emergency responders.
Moreover, participants are likewise encouraged to look after children and other vulnerable individuals in their groups.
Meanwhile, Malacañang said earlier in the week that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. respects the right of Filipinos to express their views and grievances, but stressed that these gatherings do not require violence, physical harm, or loss of life.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said, “Unang-una, hindi naman pinipigilan ng Pangulo at hindi hinahadlangan ang saloobin or pagsasabi ng saloobin ng ating mga kababayan sa mga ganitong klaseng pagtitipon. Pero hindi naman kinakailangan na magkaroon ng karahasan, pananakit o pagkasawi pa ng ating mga kababayan dahil ang ating Pangulo ay nakikinig sa bawat hinaing ng ating mga kababayan.”
The official also said that they hope that the event will be peaceful and orderly.
“Handa ang ating kapulisan sa darating na September 21. At ang dasal lang natin at ang pakiusap sa ating mga kababayan, karapatan ninyo ang magsalita, karapatan ninyo ang manawagan, huwag na lang sana maging marahas, at ang karapatan naman ninyo na manawagan ay para madinig kung ano ang nais ninyong ipadinig at makarating sa ating pamahalaan,” Castro said.
Meanwhile, she also stressed that the administration continues to respond to public concerns through government programs while pursuing accountability over alleged anomalies in flood-control projects.
“Sa ngayon ay patuloy naman po ang pagsasagawa ng mga proyekto ng mga pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan at hindi po iniiwan at iniiwasan ang pagpapanagot sa mga diumanong sangkot patungkol sa maanomalyang flood control projects,” she said.
Malacañang also said investigations and court proceedings involving alleged ghost and substandard flood-control projects remain underway, with some cases already reaching the courts.
It also maintained that individuals found responsible for irregularities should be held accountable regardless of their political affiliations or relationship with the President.
It can be recalled that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is the cousin of PBBM, has been detained in connection with his alleged PHP7.44 billion kickback—something that the Leyte 1st District representative has repeatedly denied.
