United People Against Corruption - UPAC

16/10/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IS FAR FROM OVER:
UPAC Scores Legal Breakthrough in CA over Multi-Billion Flood Control Accountability Case

MANILA, Philippines — The United People Against Corruption (UPAC) welcomes a significant development in its continuing fight to hold public officials accountable for alleged corruption involving multibillion-peso flood control contracts. The issuance of a Resolution by the Second Division of the Court of Appeals (CA) marks another step forward in our pursuit of justice and accountability.

This development puts to rest misleading claims that the fight for accountability over the irregularities in the multi billion-peso flood control contracts is over.

Dated September 17, 2026, the Resolution in CA-G.R. SP No. 194387 directs the respondents, including Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, former House Appropriations Committee Chair Elizalde “Zaldy” Co, and Quezon City Fifth District Representative Patrick Michael “PM” Vargas, to file their respective Comments within ten (10) days from notice.

Our fight is far from finished. We will not allow this case to be buried by legal and financial obstacles.

Our legal battle began when the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) halted the proceedings following a staggering ₱20-million docket fee assessment and the denial of our application to litigate as pauper litigants.

This exorbitant financial barrier raises a fundamental question: Can ordinary citizens effectively seek justice and hold powerful public officials accountable when the cost of pursuing a case is beyond their means?

We believe that access to justice must not be determined by one's financial capacity. The public's demand for accountability cannot be silenced by prohibitive legal costs, especially when the allegations concern public funds intended for essential infrastructure and the protection of communities against devastating floods.

With the Court of Appeals directing the respondents to submit their Comments, our challenge to this financial barrier remains before the judiciary. We will continue to pursue the appropriate legal remedies to ensure that our case can move forward.

As UPAC spokesperson and convener, Bishop Bellaser “Kiko” Herrera, emphasized:

“They thought they could bury this case under a mountain of unreachable legal fees, but they underestimated the resolve of the Filipino people. While billions of pesos in flood control contracts are clouded by allegations of irregularities, ordinary Filipinos continue to suffer the consequences of flooding—losing their homes, livelihoods, and, in the worst cases, their lives.

“We will not allow the public's demand for accountability to be swept aside. Those entrusted with public funds must answer to the people. No position, wealth, or political influence should place anyone beyond scrutiny. This Resolution is another step in our continuing pursuit of justice, and we will not back down.”

We recognize that the fight against corruption cannot be confined to courtrooms and legal documents. It requires the vigilance, participation, and collective action of the Filipino people.

We call on citizens, community organizations, workers, and all sectors who demand honest governance to remain vigilant and continue pressing for transparency and accountability. We must ensure that allegations involving public funds are thoroughly investigated and that those found responsible are held accountable under the law.

The people's collective voice remains essential in challenging corruption and demanding that public resources serve the needs of the people—not private interests.

Our legal counsel, Atty. Ariel Inton, emphasized the significance of the development:

“This Resolution is an important step in our continuing effort to challenge the financial barriers that have prevented the case from proceeding. Claims that this fight is over are premature. The Court of Appeals has directed the respondents to file their Comments, and our challenge remains before the court. We will continue to pursue the appropriate legal remedies in the interest of access to justice and public accountability.”
We stress that this procedural development is not yet a final judgment on the underlying allegations. Nevertheless, it reinforces our resolve to exhaust available legal remedies and continue demanding answers concerning the alleged irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control contracts.

We will continue to pursue justice in the courts, expose barriers to accountability, and mobilize public support for transparency and good governance. We will not allow this struggle to be forgotten, nor will we surrender the people's right to demand answers from those entrusted with public funds.

Public funds belong to the people. Public officials must be accountable to the people. The struggle for justice continues.

Media Contact:
Bishop Bellaser “Kiko” Herrera
United People Against Corruption (UPAC)
Spokesperson
09567168270

06/09/2026

The scary part is not the corruption anymore. It is how normal it has become.

21/08/2026

Mas mainam kung ang sasampahan nyo ng kaso ay yung mga nakaupo sa gobyerno na nakakasakop sa erya ninyo. Sila ang may pakana ng mga palpak na proyekto kung kaya't naka-apekto ang baha sa mga hanapbuhay. Ninakawan na tayo, nakaperwisyo pa sa negosyo.

18/08/2026

DPWH AT BONGBONG MARCOS, HATID AY DELUBYONG KORAPSYON

Tumataginting na Php107 ang panukalang pondong nakasaad sa NEP para sa 1,250 flood control projects sa susunod na taon! Tiyak na gagatasan na naman ito ng pamahalaan sa ilalim ng rehimeng Bongbong Marcos Jr.

Bilyong piso sa mga korap habang ang mamamayan ng Metro Manila ay lumusong sa baha nitong mga nakaraang araw. Walang napapanagot sa palpak na mga flood control projects. Puro yabang ang rehimen habang nagtitiis ang sambayanan sa perwisyong dulot sa buhay ng pagbaha sa Metro Manila.

Sa kapalpakan na ito, magpapatuloy ang hatid na delubyo ni BBM. Dapat siyang singilin sa kanyang pagpapahirap sa mamamayan. Dapat ding singilin ang mga local government unit na sangkot sa palpak na mga flood control projects sa mga syudad.

Kailangang magkaisa ng mamamayang laging binabaha at biktima ng kapabayaan ng gobyerno. Pagkakataon ang Budget Deliberation sa Kongreso para kondenahin ang mga anti-mamamayang paglalaan ng budget at maghapag ng alternatibo batay sa totoong pangangailangan ng mamamayan.

Marcos, palpak at pabaya! Singilin!

12/07/2026

Watch UPAC Legal Counsel Atty Ariel Inton explains the current status of the 1B legal case filed against those involved in the flood control scam.

| Atty. Ariel Inton weighed in on the politics b...

09/07/2026

OFFICIAL STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
Issued by:
United People Against Corruption (UPAC)

The United People Against Corruption (UPAC) strongly condemns the recent deceptive public statements made by Quezon City District 5 Representative Patrick Michael "PM" Vargas regarding the dismissal of the flood-related lawsuit filed against local officials.

UPAC categorically refutes Congressman Vargas’s claims that the dismissal proves the innocence of the accused. The public deserves to know the absolute truth: the case was not resolved on its merits, nor were the defendants exonerated.

The lawsuit was dismissed solely because Presiding Judge Madonna Echiverri denied the flood victims' motion to litigate as pauper litigants.

Despite our legitimate status as indigent citizens, the court ordered UPAC to pay a staggering filing fee of ₱20 million within an impossible deadline of only three days. No ordinary citizen, let alone impoverished flood victims, can produce ₱20 million in 72 hours. Our inability to pay this exorbitant fee is the sole reason the case was dismissed.

Furthermore, UPAC strongly opposes any move to cite our pro bono counsel, Atty. Ariel Inton, for contempt of court. Atty. Inton acted with utmost integrity, volunteering his legal expertise to defend the marginalized when no one else would.

Targeting a pro bono lawyer who fights for the poor is a clear attempt to silence dissent and suppress justice.We also categorically clarify that neither UPAC nor Atty. Inton issued any statements against Judge Echiverri.

The media outfits merely picked up our official statements; none of our members or Atty. Inton were directly interviewed by the press. As such, there is absolutely no ground for the honorable judge to hold any animosity toward us.

Finally, we vehemently deny the malicious accusations labeling us as "pro-Duterte." Our advocacy is not fueled by political factions or partisan interests. Echoing our battle cry from September 21 and all our anti corruption rally—“LAHAT NG SANGKOT DAPAT MANAGOT!” —we also demand: “Ikulong LAHAT mga ang kurakot!”

We stand firm on our singular principle: anyone and everyone involved in the anomalous flood control project must be held accountable to the law and to the people.

The dismissal was a triumph of financial barriers over justice, not a proof of innocence.

UPAC will continue to demand accountability for the flood victims all over the country.

For context: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/196voWGbrS/

29/06/2026

29/06/2026

Official Statement from the United People Against Corruption (UPAC)

THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER: Setting the Record Straight on the Case Against Congressman PM Vargas

The United People Against Corruption (UPAC) strongly condemns and corrects the false statements being spread by Quezon City 5th District Congressman Patrick Michael "PM" Vargas regarding the dismissal of the civil case involving allegedly anomalous flood control projects.

Contrary to his misleading claims that the ruling validates his innocence, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 81 did not dismiss the case because there was no substantial evidence linking him to corruption. Instead, the dismissal by Presiding Judge Madonna Echiverri was based purely on a technical jurisdictional hurdle.

The court demanded an exorbitant docket and filing fee of more than 20 million pesos—calculated based on the 1-billion-peso valuation of the suit—despite the fact that the petitioners are indigent litigants.

By dismissing the case over unpaid filing fees rather than addressing the core merits, the court has penalized the poor for standing up against corruption. Congressman Vargas' assertion that he has been vindicated is a deliberate distortion of the truth.

We have officially elevated this fight to the Court of Appeals to challenge this prohibitive barrier to justice. The heavy evidence of corruption against Congressman Vargas and cohorts has yet to be tried, and the battle for accountability is far from finished.

We are just getting started.

29/06/2026

Binabati ng KBKK ang mga organizer ng lalo na ang White Ribbon Movement (WRM) na pinasimulan ng Inter-religious Leaders' Council for National Transformation (IRLCNT) sa pamumuno ni Kidapawan Bishop Colin Bagaforo. Nagsama-sama sa White Ribbon March ngayon ang mga grupong nag-organisa at lumahok sa Baha sa Luneta at/o sa Trillion Peso March sa EDSA gaya ng KBKK, Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance - TAMA NA, BAYAN - Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan (ANIM), Bunyog - Pagkakaisa Public Page, Sanlakas, CEAP, Conference of Major Religious Superiors (CMSP), National Council of Churches in the Philippines, United Christian Churches of the Philippines (UCCP) at marami pang iba.

Malakas nating naipanawagan ang pagpapatuloy ng laban sa kahirapan, korapsyon, at kawalang-pananagutan. Nabigyang-diin natin na lahat ng sangkot ay dapat managot at dapat ikulong ang mga kurakot. Nailahad natin na kailangang panagutin ang lahat ng sangkot sa katiwalian, kabilang man o hindi sa Administrasyon, malapit man sa o kaaway ng Malakanyang. Nabigyang-diin natin na kapwa dapat panagutin sina Pres. Marcos at Vice Pres. Duterte sa isyu ng confidential funds at campaign donations ng contractors.

Naipanawagan natin ang pagwawakas sa paghahari ng mga dinastiya at pagkakaroon ng reporma sa sistemang elektoral at mga sosyo-ekonomikong reporma na magpapabuti at magpapaginhawa sa buhay ng mga Pilipino. Nabigyang-diin natin na dapat bawiin ang nakaw na yaman para may dagdag-pondo para sa edukasyon, kalusugan, pabahay, pensyon ng matatanda at iba pang serbisyo.

Magkita-kita tayong muli sa July 6 sa Senado at July 27 sa Batasan.

Bilang partner/cooperator ng WRM ay ibinabahagi rin natin sa madla ang mensahe ng pasasalamat ng WRM:

WHITE RIBBON MOVEMENT

A Message of Gratitude

June 28, 2026

To everyone who participated in today's White Ribbon March - our fellow Filipinos, partners, volunteers, coalition organizations, faith leaders, media representatives, security personnel, marshals, performers, speakers, and all the others who joined in:

MARAMING SALAMAT.

Today, you proved that patriotism is alive.

What we saw was something much bigger than just a protest. It was a powerful show of love and loyalty to our nation. Thousands of everyday people from all walks of life came together, not to support any particular politician or party, but to stand up for a shared vision: a Philippines where truth and transparency in government, accountability, good leadership, and justice for all are the guiding principles.

We want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who helped make this event happen. To those who braved the sun and marched with us, to the marshals who kept us safe, to the teams who handled the logistics, provided medical care, and documented the whole thing - we're grateful for your time and effort. We also appreciate the people who led prayers, performed on stage, and stood with us in solidarity. You all became part of something bigger than yourselves, and that's truly amazing. Your contributions, whether big or small, made a real difference, and we're thankful for your talent, resources, and prayers. You helped create a movement that's all about coming together and supporting one another.

What made today special wasn't just the number of people who showed up, but what their presence really meant.

Together, we demonstrated that:

* People from the Philippines, no matter what they believe in, what they do for work, how old they are, or where they come from, can come together to achieve something good for everyone.
* People have the right to express themselves peacefully, in a calm and respectful way, while still following the rules and being considerate of others.
* Love of country rises above partisan politics and personal interests.
* We think everyone in power should be held responsible for their actions, no matter what party they belong to, who their family is, or what job they have.
* When people come together, hope can overcome even the darkest of times, and unity can triumph over the forces that try to tear us apart.
* Peaceful civic participation remains one of the greatest strengths of our democracy.

We are especially grateful that the event remained peaceful, orderly, respectful, and focused on its true purpose. This was made possible through the discipline of every participant, the dedication of our volunteer marshals and security teams, the cooperation of government agencies and local authorities, and the professionalism of our media partners.

Today’s march is not the end.

It is only the beginning.

The White Ribbon Movement is more than just a single day of action - it's an ongoing effort by citizens to bring about real change. This movement is all about promoting good governance, making sure those in power are held accountable, and pushing for reforms that will make our elections fairer. It's also about saying no to corruption and to the idea that certain families should always be in charge. The goal is to make our democratic institutions stronger, and to do it all in a way that respects the Constitution and the law. By working together, citizens can create a better future for everyone, one where integrity and transparency are valued above all else.

The white ribbon we wore today means a lot more than you think. It's a reminder that we all have a job to do in building a better country for the people who come after us. We all have to do our part to make sure the Philippines is a great place for future generations.

Let today’s march inspire more conversations, greater civic participation, and stronger partnerships among all who believe that our country deserves better.

To every volunteer, partner organization, church, civic group, youth organization, military and uniformed personnel, professionals, workers, students, and ordinary citizens who stood with us—

Thank you for believing that change begins when ordinary people choose courage over indifference.

May we continue walking together—not only in marches, but in our daily commitment to truth, justice, integrity, accountability, and love of country.

For God. For Country. For the Filipino People.

WHITE RIBBON MOVEMENT

25/06/2026

MAGKITA-KITA PO TAYO!

Tumindig at labanan ang korapsyon! Lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot Marcos singilin, Sara panagutin!

Kita-kits po.
ngayong Linggo (June 28) 2:30pm sa EDSA People Power Monument

Lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot!

MEDIA Advisory on White Ribbon March (June 28, 2026; Sunday)

Note: This is in response to media queries on who will participate and what will happen in the program etc.

Media coverage is requested for the White Ribbon March led by the White Ribbon Movement (WRM) and various multisectoral and cause-oriented groups this Sunday, June 28, 2026. See program and program notes at the end of this advisory.

A mass at the EDSA Shrine will be officiated by Bishop Colin Bagaforo (Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kidapawan and Chairperson of the Inter-Religious Leaders’ Council for National Transformation/IRLCNT) at 12:00noon. Due to the limited capacity of EDSA Shrine, those who will not be accommodated in the mass are advised to just assemble at the People Power Monument.

After the mass, there will be a unity march of inter-religious leaders and civil society leaders from EDSA Shrine to People Power Monument (PPM). The program at PPM is expected to start at 2:30pm.

Other religious leaders who have confirmed their participation in the rally are as follows:
Archbishop Emerson Beriones (Holy Orthodox Catholic Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ)
Bishop Efraim Tendero (World Evangelical Alliance)
Bishop Joseph Agpaoa (United Church of Christ in the Philippines/UCCP)
Minnie Anne Mata-Calub (National Council of Churches in the Philippines/NCCP)
Fr. Wilmer Tria (Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines/CEAP)
Fr. Tony Labiao (Diocese of Novaliches)
Sr. Marie Paule, AMP (Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines/CMSP)

Some religious leaders will lead in the prayers or will offer solidarity messages in the rally.

Meanwhile, the following civil society leaders are expected to speak in the rally on the issues of poverty, corruption, and impunity/lack of accountability and to call upon fellow citizens to continue the fight for a better future for all Filipinos:
Eunesi Bacud (Catholic Youth of Novaliches)
Flor Asiddao-Santos (ORIANG)
Ka Danilo Ramos (Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas/KMP)
Ka Leody De Guzman (Artikulo Onse)
Joaquin Buenaflor (UP Diliman/UPD University Student Council/USC)
Miguel Basuel (Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan/SPARK)
Teddy Casiño (Bagong Alyansang Makabayan/BAYAN)
Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno
Atty. Aaron Pedrosa (Sanlakas)
Atty. Carlo Africa (Dapat 1 Lang)
Luke Espiritu (Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino/BMP)
Atty. Ricky Tomotorgo (Bunyog)
Prof. Danny Arao (Kontra Daya)
Prof. David San Juan (Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance/TAMA NA)
Prof. Marivic Raquiza (Social Watch Philippines)

Leaders of the following organizations are also expected to speak in the rally:
Doctors Opposed to Corruption (DOC)
Federation of Free Workers (FFW)
Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP)
Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)
Rise Up for Life and for Rights

Some of the main groups that are mobilizing for the rally are as follows:
White Ribbon Movement (WRM)
Inter-religious Leaders Council for National Transformation (IRLCNT)
Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (TAMA NA)
Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan (ANIM)
Advocates for National Interest (ANI)
Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) 4 United PH
Federation of Free Workers (FFW)
Concerned University of the Philippines Vanguard
Lihok Bol-Anon for Truth and Accountability
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)
Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP)
Sanlakas
Bunyog
Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK)
Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (RAM)
Free the Artist Movement (FAM)
Diocese of Novaliches
National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP)
Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines (CMSP)
One Voice
Youth Rage Against Corruption (YRAC)
Kabataan para sa Kalikasan (KALIKAS)
United Church of Christ in the Philippines/UCCP
Artikulo Onse
Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP)
Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK)
Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA)
Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC)
Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ)
Power for People Coalition (P4P)
Samahan ng Mamamayan - Zone One Tondo Organization (SM-ZOTO)
Kongreso ng Pagkakaisa ng Maralitang Lungsod (KPML)
Kilusan para sa Kabuhayan, Kalusugan, Kalikasan at Katiyakan sa Paninirahan-Quezon City (K4K-QC)
August Twenty One Movement (ATOM)

Some celebrities and cultural groups were invited to participate. Confirmed performers in the rally include: Pisara UP Diliman and Danny Fabella of Musikang Bayan.

WHITE RIBBON MARCH

June 28, 2026

People Power Monument, EDSA

PROGRAM FLOW

12:00 NN

Holy Mass
National Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace (EDSA Shrine)

White Ribbon March
From EDSA Shrine to the People Power Monument

MAIN PROGRAM AT PEOPLE POWER MONUMENT: 2:30 PM ONWARDS

Opening Ceremonies

Philippine National Anthem
Opening Prayer
Welcome and Opening Message
————————

Segment I

Poverty and the People’s Struggles

Prayer for the Poor and Vulnerable
Messages on:
Rising cost of living
Employment and workers’ welfare
Education, health, housing, and other essential public services
Food security and sustainable development
Reflection from a Faith Leader
Cultural Presentation
————————

Segment II

Corruption and Good Governance

Prayer for Integrity and Honest Leadership
Messages on:
Public accountability
Corruption and misuse of public funds
Transparency and responsible governance
Reflection from a Faith Leader
Cultural Presentation
Solidarity Messages
————————

Segment III

Justice, Accountability, and Human Dignity

Prayer for Justice and Peace
Messages on:
Accountability
Rule of Law
Human dignity and the protection of rights
Reflection from a Faith Leader
Cultural Presentation
————————

Segment IV

Call to Action

Citizens’ Agenda for National Renewal
Electoral and Governance Reforms
Strengthening Democratic Institutions
Youth Call to Action
Invitation to Support Ongoing Reform Initiatives
————————

Closing Program

Unity Prayer
Closing Message
Singing of Bayan Ko
Singing of Pananagutan
White Ribbon Commitment
————————

Program Notes

The program will feature interfaith prayers, messages from civil society leaders, youth representatives, professionals, labor, farmers, educators, and faith leaders.
Cultural performances and musical interludes will be presented throughout the program.
Additional solidarity messages from partner organizations and supporters may be presented as time permits.
Theme:

“Lahat ng Sangkot, Dapat Managot!”

Kilos Bayan Laban sa Kahirapan, Korapsyon, at Kawalang-Pananagutan