Around 5,000 protesters gathered in Cebu City on Sunday to demand the resignation of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., in one of the largest anti-corruption demonstrations to hit the central Philippines this year.

The rally, held at Plaza Independencia, brought together students, church groups, civil society organizations and other sectoral representatives under a common call for clean governance. Protesters carried placards denouncing corruption and urging greater accountability from officials.

“This is not the end, nor a pack-up — it’s just a warm-up,” lead convenor Juniño Bonito Padilla told the crowd. “Together, we move forward, stronger and more united, for the change we all believe in. See you for more.”

The demonstration concluded with a Mass celebrated by Fr. Ciano Ubod, a prominent priest who has often criticized corrupt practices in government. In his homily, Ubod accused public officials of betraying the people’s trust and urged Filipinos to demand accountability.

Organizers described the event as a show of unity across sectors, aimed at signaling that communities will no longer tolerate misconduct in public office. They said further demonstrations were being planned in Cebu and beyond.

While protests against Marcos have periodically erupted since he took office in 2022, Sunday’s turnout underscored mounting public frustration amid allegations of corruption in government agencies. Police said the rally dispersed peacefully.

“The people of Cebu are sending a clear message: corruption will not be tolerated, and the call for accountability will only grow louder,” Padilla said.