Former Ilocos Sur governor and businessman Chavit Singson has called for a “one-time, big-time” rally against corruption, urging Filipinos from various sectors—including the youth, religious groups, and uniformed personnel—to unite in protest over alleged irregularities in government projects.
In a press briefing on Monday, Singson said the planned rally could include a march toward Malacañang, although no specific date has been set. According to him, the final schedule will be decided collectively by participating groups, with a preference for the youth to take the lead in determining when the demonstration will take place.
Singson explained that he is personally reaching out to religious organizations and opposition figures to build support for what he described as a broad-based movement against graft and corruption. He stressed that the planned protest is not meant to call for the ouster of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but rather to demand accountability over alleged misuse of public funds.
Among the issues raised by Singson were purportedly substandard or “ghost” flood control projects in Ilocos Norte, including those in Sarrat, Nueva Era, Adams, Pasuquin, and Piddig. He claimed that several of these projects were paid for in advance despite questions surrounding their quality and actual completion.
Singson also criticized the Marcos administration’s anti-corruption drive, arguing that it has fallen short. He pointed to allegations linking former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to irregularities involving flood control projects, claims which Romualdez has repeatedly denied. According to Singson, accountability should extend beyond individual officials and include those at the highest levels of government who allegedly had knowledge of the transactions.
Asked about the possibility of facing charges for inciting to sedition, Singson said he was unafraid, maintaining that his statements do not amount to a call to overthrow the government. He reiterated that his objective is to expose corruption and protect the future of the country, particularly for the younger generation.
“Dapat kasama ang kabataan dito kasi ninakaw ang future ng kabataan,” Singson said, adding that young Filipinos should not be afraid to speak out against what he described as the brazen theft of public funds.
In response to the allegations, Malacañang said that all claims of wrongdoing should be properly investigated, reiterating the President’s position that there would be “no sacred cows” in probes involving corruption. Palace officials also cautioned against what they described as unfounded accusations intended to undermine the administration.
The proposed rally comes as the country approaches the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in February, a historical context that Singson has cited in previous calls for public action against corruption.
