A GIANT, crocodile-shaped cake, a roasted crocodile, and over a hundred roasted beef (lechon baka) served as a unique form of protest against government corruption at the “Pray for the Philippines” rally on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025.
The event, held at Rizal Park, was a powerful display of both spiritual devotion and political dissent. The prayer rally began with a Eucharistic Mass at 3 p.m., followed by performances from various religious groups.
As the event started, a roasted crocodile was sliced and distributed to attendees.
The spectacle was a pointed political statement, with the crocodile often used as a popular Filipino metaphor for corrupt officials.
Participants also shared in a feast of 100 roasted cows and a 16-foot-long crocodile cake, which added to the creative protest theme.
Crowds were lining up for free lechon baka, cake, and water at the rally, as well as a free shirt with Duterte’s print was also distributed.
The rally attracted prominent political figures, with Senators Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go arriving in the evening.
Both senators addressed the crowd, speaking on recent national issues such as corruption, controversial flood control projects, and the recent changes in the Senate.
Anti-corruption and pro-Duterte messages
The rally was a platform for strong anti-corruption messages, visibly displayed on tarpaulins carried by participants.
Signs read: “Alis diyan mga kurakot (Corrupt officials, quit),” “Pera ng bayan isauli (Return the people’s money),” and “Ikulong Ang mga kurakot (Jail the corrupt).”
The crowd also chanted, “Marcos Resign!”
Beyond the anti-corruption theme, the event also served as a call for the release of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Two standees of the former president were placed on the stage, and the crowd chanted “Bring him home!”, a direct plea for his return from The Hague, Netherlands.
A participant from Sasa, who requested anonymity, explained that they attended not for the food but to voice their grievances on corruption and to pray for the country.
Separate Martial Law protest held peacefully
Meanwhile, a separate protest was held at Freedom Park on Roxas Street to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law. Around 50 rallyists gathered for the event, which remained peaceful and orderly.
The protest, which was secured by 127 police officers, was led by sectoral groups including Bayan-SMR, Kabataan Partylist, Gabriela, and Anakbayan.
Their theme was “Tanan Korap Bag-ohon ang Bulok na Systems” (Change the Corrupt System). The groups called for government accountability and for the public’s money to be used for services, not corruption.
They also called for “national democracy” and the downfall of “bureaucrat capitalism.”
The Davao City Police Office stated that both protests were continuously monitored to ensure the safety of all participants.
