Marcos Skips UN as Filipinos Storm Streets in Trillion Peso March vs Corruption

MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has canceled his scheduled attendance at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, originally set for September 21–25, to focus on pressing domestic issues amid mounting corruption scandals.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez confirmed Monday afternoon that Marcos has designated Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro to represent him at the high-level gathering. According to Gomez, the President made the decision to remain in the Philippines as public outrage grows over alleged anomalies in billion-peso flood control projects.

“The President has delegated his engagements at the UNGA for the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to allow him to focus on local issues,” Gomez said.

The announcement comes as faith-based groups, civil society organizations, and political parties prepare for large-scale demonstrations on September 21, the anniversary of Martial Law’s declaration more than five decades ago.

Dubbed the “Trillion Peso March Against Corruption,” the rally will be staged at the People Power Monument, with over 55 civil society organizations, five political parties, and 130 youth groups expected to participate. Protesters are set to chant, “Sobra na! Tama na! Ikulong na!” (“Too much! Enough! Jail them!”) to demand accountability from officials linked to corruption scandals.

Akbayan Party-list Rep. Percy Cendaña said public anger is overflowing: “We hope that on September 21, we will show people that our expression of rage can be peaceful. What’s certain is that EDSA will flood with citizens demanding justice.”

Meanwhile, another coalition, TAMA NA, will hold a separate morning protest at Luneta before marching to the People Power Monument to join the larger demonstration. Its convener, David San Juan, said Filipinos are tired of leaders exploiting people’s resilience to hide the effects of corruption and abuse. “Return the stolen money! Seize the luxury cars, expensive watches, signature bags, and designer clothes,” he declared.

Organizers also called for the full public disclosure of all government officials’ Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), and urged them to sign waivers lifting bank secrecy protections.

Teresita Deles of Simbahan at Komunidad Laban sa Katiwalian warned: “If no one goes to jail, the people’s anger will not subside. Leaders must learn that if you steal from the people, you will be imprisoned.”

The twin developments—Marcos skipping the UNGA and massive protests set on the Martial Law anniversary—underscore the mounting pressure on the administration as Filipinos demand transparency, accountability, and justice.