Manila, Philippines — The United People’s Initiative (UPI) has called on President Bongbong Marcos to take urgent and decisive action to restore public confidence in the presidency amid allegations of a ₱100-billion budget insertion raised by former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co.
During the group’s anti-corruption rally at the People Power Monument on Sunday, November 16, UPI leaders stressed that the administration must demonstrate transparency and accountability in handling the issue.
“No leader—no matter how powerful—can remain in office if public trust has collapsed,” UPI said in a statement.
The organization urged President Marcos to immediately order the release of all documents and communications related to alleged fund insertions in the proposed 2025 national budget, emphasizing that only a full, independent, and transparent investigation could resolve the controversy.
“We demand the immediate disclosure of all budget-related records and the opening of all channels for investigators and the public to access the truth,” the group declared.
UPI added that if the President fails to provide a clear and honest explanation, he should step down.
The demonstration, which began earlier in the day, saw a steady rise in attendance as the afternoon progressed.
As of 4:00 PM, the crowd climbed to around 1,000 and increasing at People Power Monument in Quezon City which led by the UPI, according to Quezon City Police District’s latest assessment.
The rally forms part of a broader wave of anti-corruption demonstrations happening across Manila, led by the large-scale three-day “Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy” led by Iglesia Ni Cristo at the Quirino Grandstand.