Protesters gathered at the gates of Forbes Park late on October 12, answering a call by Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga to pressure the administration over alleged corruption.
The demonstration, which took place in one of Metro Manila’s most exclusive residential enclaves, was marked by heavy police presence and tense exchanges but according to available reports, it did not immediately devolve into large-scale violence.
Barzaga, who earlier urged supporters on social media to “bring the people’s anger right at their doorstep,” shared to the public the rally’s anti-corruption message and warned that the demonstrations would continue.
“Para sa akin lang, we have to protect the interests of the Filipino people over the interests of corrupt politicians,” the lawmaker said. “If we do not show… that there is chaos and there is corruption within our system, then there will be no change.”
Acknowledging the strain on security forces, Barzaga also addressed police deployed to the scene,
“So ano, sorry din sa lahat ng mga police at sa lahat ng mga security agencies. Ang dami-dami nila na nag-overtime ngayon. Thousands. Pero kailangan talagang ito ng bansa natin.”
"Targeting the private homes of the corrupt"
In the most contentious portion of his remarks, Barzaga said the movement’s focus would be on confronting the private residences of officials accused of wrongdoing, rather than only protesting at public offices. He framed the choice as a moral demand to bring the grievances of displaced or impoverished communities “to the homes of those who are corrupt.”
“That’s why we’re targeting the private homes of the corrupt instead of the public offices where they steal the money from. Kasi doon nila nakuha lang yung pera. Pero dito, dito na dinadala,” he told the crowd.
“If we do not show, not just the local community but the international community, that there is chaos and there is corruption within our system, then there will be no change. Hindi natin pwedeng ulit-litin lang yung mga nangyari for the past few years, for the past... Ever since Marcos sat down and Romualdez became speaker, lahat ng ito, this has only been getting worse and worse. At hindi natin pwedeng hayaan lang ito. At some point, we have to say it has to stop,” he added
Barzaga also signaled more spontaneous actions to come, saying participants should expect “surprise” activities.
What's next?
Barzaga also signaled more spontaneous actions to come, saying participants should expect “surprise” activities but gave no firm details on future locations.
“Everyday. Pero yung bukas, yung next day surprise, hindi ko sasabihin… It’s just surprise and sila na bahala," Barzaga said.
