Jodi Sta. Maria, Angel Locsin, Anne Curtis and Iza Calzado use their platform and voice to urge Filipinos to continue the fight against corruption.
The Philippines has long been plagued by corruption, a cancer that has hindered the nation’s progress and denied its people prosperity. Yet, in the face of this adversity, a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of A-list celebrities who have bravely taken a stand against corruption. These talented individuals, known for their excellence and progressive views, have used their platforms to amplify the collective voice of the Filipino people, demanding justice, humanity and honesty.
At the forefront of this movement are actresses Jodi Sta. Maria, Angel Locsin, Anne Curtis and Iza Calzado, who have leveraged their influence to press for change. During a rally at Luneta, Jodi emphasized the importance of accountability, saying, “Para sa akin, importante na may managot. Hindi puwedeng wala, kasi ilang beses na ‘to nangyari.” She urged Filipinos to continue working together to fix the broken system that has allowed corruption to thrive, stressing that collective action is necessary for meaningful change. “Dapat ‘wag tayong tumigil. Collectively, may magagawa po tayo. Hindi ito kilos ng iisang tao lamang.”
Angel Locsin, a longtime advocate for social justice, broke her social media silence to express her outrage and frustration over the corruption plaguing the country. “Naiiyak ako sa galit. kasi pwede palang hindi sila naghirap. Pwede pa lang walang nasaktan. Pwede palang walang namatay,” she said, referencing the devastating impact of corruption on ordinary Filipinos. She called on others to continue speaking out and fighting for truth, justice and change.
Anne, one of the Philippines’ biggest taxpayers, joined the protests, carrying a placard that read, “Manindigan, Lumaban, Makialam.” In her Instagram caption, she wrote, “PILIPINAS, PIPILIIN KA SA ARAW-ARAW. With fire in our hearts and love for the Philippines in our souls, we marched. May this be the generation that breaks the chains of corruption — It must end.” She emphasized the importance of staying vocal and active until corruption is eradicated, saying, “Let’s not stay quiet until corruption ends!”
Iza, president of the League of Filipino Actors, delivered an impassioned speech on the EDSA stage, speaking as an artist-worker, a mother, a woman and a Filipino. “Nais nating magpahayag ng galit! Nais nating humingi ng katarungan! Nais nating maningil! Nais nating papanagutin ang dapat managot!” she declared, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice. She stressed that the fight against corruption is far from over and that Filipinos must remain vigilant and active in demanding change.
These A-listers have shown that even in the face of adversity, the voice of the people can be a powerful force for change. By using their platforms to amplify the call for justice and accountability, they have inspired others to join the fight against corruption. As Iza said, “MGA KABABAYAN, UMPISA PA LAMANG ITO!!! MAKAKAASA BA AKONG TULUY-TULOY TAYO HANGGANG SA GRAND FINALS???”
The message is clear: the fight against corruption is ongoing, and it will take all of us to achieve true change.
The impact of these celebrities’ actions extends beyond their individual influence. They have helped galvanize a movement, inspiring ordinary Filipinos to take a stand against corruption and demand a better future for themselves and their children. As Anne said, “What was stolen was never theirs to keep, but ours to build the Philippines we love and the future we deserve.”
In a country where corruption has long been a thorn in the side of progress, the emergence of these A-listers as champions of change is a welcome development. They have shown that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, the power of the collective voice can be a potent force for change. As Jodi said, “Kailangan po na marinig ang boses natin, na gusto nating baguhin ang sistema.” The time for change is now, and with the help of these talented individuals, Filipinos can work towards a brighter, more just future.
