Filipino-Australians in Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Sydney will gather on 30 November to express solidarity with the growing Trillion Peso March Movement in the Philippines, as calls intensify for transparency and accountability over an alleged large-scale corruption scandal involving government officials.
The vigils come amid mounting concerns about the alleged involvement of government project engineers, department heads, and lawmakers in both houses of Congress and the Senate. Organisers say the issue has exposed what they describe as “deep failures in governance under the Marcos Jr administration.”
“The Filipino people deserve honesty and competence from their leaders,” said Melba Marginson, national convenor of Australians for Philippine Human Rights Network.
“The government’s response has been slow, unconvincing, and far from transparent. Overseas Filipinos are standing with the communities back home demanding real consequences and real justice.”
The organisers say the gatherings aim to reinforce four key demands:
- Full disclosure of government spending
- An independent investigation into the corruption allegations
- Prosecution of implicated officials
- Passage of an Anti-Dynasty Bill
“By December, we want to see charges laid. Enough is enough,” Marginson added. “Billions have been stolen while ordinary Filipinos suffer. This cannot continue.”
Community members, supporters and media organisations are invited to attend the vigils, which will take place in public parks and community spaces across four states.
Event Details – 30 November
MELBOURNE – Candlelight Vigil for Full Accountability in Philippine Corruption Scandal
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: Federation Square
Organisers: APHRN, Kakampink Victoria, Maypagasa Network
Contacts: Melba Marginson – 0418 389 135 | Ranee Abanilla – 0417 542 878
ADELAIDE – Prayer Rally & BBQ Gathering Calling for Reforms
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue: Thorndon Park, Hamilton Terrace, Paradise SA
Organisers: Filipino Australian Advocates of SA
Contact: Divina Collado – 0403 465 871
CANBERRA – Candlelight Evening in Solidarity Against Corruption and Dynasties
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Canberra Narra Peace Park
Organiser: Canberra Pinoy Advocacy Group
Contact: Cy Rago – 0431 718 744
SYDNEY – Trillion Peso Solidarity Gathering & Memorial for Gat. Andres Bonifacio
Time: 2:30 PM
Venue: 51 Garrong Road, Lakemba
Organiser: 1Sambayan Australia
Contact: Chona Davidson – 0407 445 573
