LOOK: Nearly 50,000 Turn Out for Luneta Protest Against Corruption

(SPOT.ph) When former Bayan Muna Representative Teddy Casiño asked the Luneta crowd where crooked officials should end up, the answer was unanimous: "Impyerno!” The scene was a fitting snapshot of Sunday, September 21, when thousands of Filipinos filled the lawns of Rizal Park in a pointed protest against corruption.

Nevermind that it was scorching hot outside. The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office estimated the crowd at around 49,000 by mid-morning. Organizers called the event “Baha sa Luneta,” a nod to the multibillion-peso scandal over flood control projects that never materialized. The rally also coincides with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.

“The Luneta rally is both anti-Marcos AND anti-Duterte. In the fight against corruption, it's not a matter of choosing between two dynastic evils. It's about choosing good,” Casino posted on X.

The rally opened with runners and biker groups converging on Luneta before sunrise, followed by speeches from student leaders, lawmakers, and sectoral representatives. Even Batman was spotted among the crowd.

Placards carried by protesters mixed humor, rage, and pop culture references: “Enough is enough. Jail the corrupt!” “Sana matupad ang wish ni Kara David.” “What hafen, Filipins? Crocodilles, ryt?” Resilient mo mukha mo!” “I deserve an explanation! I deserve an acceptable reason!” and “Pondo sa baha, sa bulsa ng korap!”

At one point, demonstrators even dismantled road barriers along Kalaw Avenue as the crowd pushed toward the park entrance.

Members of the UP Repertory Company made one of the most striking statements: they marched covered head to toe in mud, a stark image meant to show how Filipinos are left wading through floodwaters and poverty while corruption carries on.

Several celebrities were also present. Maris Racal marched with a megaphone, leading chants like “Serbisyo sa tao, huwag gawing negosyo!” and was photographed holding a placard that read, “Lahat ng Korap Dapat Managot.”

Jodi Sta. Maria also took the stage, telling the crowd: "May karapatan tayong malaman ano ang nangyari sa ating pera. May karapatan tayong malaman ano ang nangyayari sa ating bayan. Importante na mayroong managot. Dahil ilang ulit na itong nangyari. Hindi na natin ito pwedeng palagpasin."

Spotted in the park as well were Andrea Brillantes, Angel Aquino, and Tessie Tomas.

A black One Piece pirate flag was also seen above the sea of placards. The same symbol has popped up in anti-corruption protests in Nepal and Indonesia, and now it's made its way to Manila. Then there was Maple, a three-year-old corgi strapped to his owner’s back with a placard that read: “Nangangagat ng mga korap!”

Whether through chants, placards, or a dog with a sign, the crowd’s call was loud and clear: corruption needs to end now.