The United People’s Initiative (UPI), a group primarily composed of retired military and police officials, announced on Tuesday that it will proceed with the third day of its anti-corruption rally at the People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City, even as a separate protest by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) concluded early in Manila.
The decision to continue the demonstration was confirmed by UPI Secretary-General retired Capt. Rey Valeros, who stated, “We will proceed today at the People Power Monument.” This resolve was echoed by UPI convenor retired Gen. Romeo Poquiz, who posted on social media, “The fight isn’t over.”
The announcement comes despite an immediate complication: Quezon City public order and safety chief Elmo San Diego informed the media that the local government has yet to approve a permit for the supposed third day of the UPI rally.
The UPI protest, which began on Sunday, stands in contrast to the mass action held by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) at Luneta Park. The INC ended its three-day rally on Monday night, one day earlier than scheduled. The religious group cited that its members “did not need” the full three days to register their calls for “transparency and a better democracy.”
The UPI has been vocal in its opposition to alleged government corruption, with one of its main calls being for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to step down amid reported corruption issues in flood control and other infrastructure projects.
