The Philippines is grappling with a deepening political crisis, with millions of Filipinos preparing to participate in the ‘Trillion Peso March’ on September 21st in Manila. This demonstration is a direct response to widespread corruption allegations and the perceived lavish lifestyles of the offspring of the country’s political elite. The anger is further exacerbated by the devastating impact of recent floods. The public’s frustration has been mounting, with people questioning why allocated funds for flood control projects failed to deliver tangible results, despite significant investments. The social media sphere is reflecting this discontent, with citizens using platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and X (Twitter) to express their criticism of leaders, often portraying them negatively through memes and AI-generated visuals. The choice of September 21st as the protest date is significant as it marks the anniversary of the declaration of martial law in 1972 by then-President Ferdinand Marcos, a time of corruption and authoritarian rule that was eventually overthrown by a popular uprising in 1986. This march could be a turning point, potentially leading to a change in power, similar to what happened in Nepal.
