Czarina Faith Abuso

Vice Ganda, Catriona Gray, and more celebrities who used their voices against corruption

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>In 2025, corruption remained one of the most defining and biggest issues in the country. Allegations tied to ghost flood control projects, questionable use of public funds, and the growing burden of taxes on ordinary Filipinos sparked outrage that extended beyond political circles.  </p><p>Throughout the year, public protests grew louder, and alongside ordinary citizens, several celebrities stepped forward to express frustration, anger, and calls for accountability. Speaking as taxpayers and Filipinos, these public figures chose to use their influence to echo what many had long been saying. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Vice Ganda </strong></div><p>Vice Ganda was among the most vocal celebrities in 2025 when it came to condemning corruption. Known for her humor, the comedian did not shy away from expressing outrage both on<em> It’s Showtime </em>and in the streets. As the controversy surrounding the DPWH ghost flood control projects surfaced, Vice shared a personal moment on Instagram last August, contrasting her efforts to be frugal abroad with the taxes she pays at home.</p><p>&quot;Super tipid ako dito sa London kasi ang mahal. Kaya namalengke na lang kami nung first day at nagluto dito sa Airbnb. Pangatlong araw na naming iniinit tong natirang adobo. Tapos bigla kong naalala &#x27;yung milyon milyon kong tax na pinaghahati-hatian ng mga garapal na magnanakaw… Aray koooo!!!!&quot; </p><p>Vice later took the stage during the Trillion Peso March on September 21, where she delivered a speech calling for accountability and harsh penalties for corrupt officials. </p><p>“Ang corrupt na politiko ay higit pa sa mamamatay tao. Ang korapsyon ay higit sa terorismo… Ang magnanakaw walang pinipili. Kapwa Pilipino ang inaabuso. Ikulong ang mga magnanakaw. Para nga sa’kin, hindi sapat ang kulong. Dapat patayin ang mga korap na magnanakaw. Ibalik ang death penalty sa mga korap para patayin ang mga magnanakaw, ikulong, patayin, kahit ang mga pamilya nila.” </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/9/21/vice-ganda-calls-for-death-penalty-for-corrupt-officials-1723" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ: Vice Ganda calls for death penalty for corrupt officials</strong></a></div><p>“PBBM, upang magkaroon ng magandang legasiya ipakulong mo lahat ng magnanakaw. Inaasahan ka namin. Swine-swelduhan ka namin PBBM. Kami nagpapasahod sa inyo. Tapos na panahon takot sa gobyerno. Takutin natin. Ipakulong lahat. Lahat. Bawiin mga ari-arian,” she said.  </p><p>In a later interview with Karen Davila, Vice explained why she consistently speaks for the public. </p><p>&quot;I&#x27;m given the platform, opportunity, responsibility to use my voice not just for myself. Hindi siya kaya ng konsensya ko kasi paano &#x27;yong mga nakapaligid sa &#x27;kin? At hindi rin kinakaya ng kaluluwa, konsensya ko &#x27;yong araw-araw na masang Pilipino na nakakausap ko sa &#x27;<em>Showtime</em>&#x27; tapos wala ako pakialam sa kanila. Kasi sila may pakialam sa &#x27;kin, kaya may pakialam din ako sa kanila,&quot; she said.  </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Catriona Gray </strong></div><p>Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray was a visible presence in the anti-corruption movement in 2025. She joined the Trillion Peso March along EDSA on September 21, 2025 and took to social media to stress the right of Filipinos to transparency.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/11/12/catriona-gray-calls-for-transparency-and-accountability-amid-recent-calamities-1005" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ: Catriona Gray calls for transparency and accountability amid recent calamities </strong></a></div><p>&quot;We will not be satisfied with theatrics, or empty promises. Tama na acting!! All of our eyes are on our leaders. How you handle your positions — we will be watching and demanding good and fair governance. We demand accountability! We call on our leaders to CLEAN UP THE CORRUPT! Sa mga lider namin, the ball is in your court.. ipaglaban niyo kami. Change takes time. But the time to change is NOW. #STOPTHECORRUPTION 🇵🇭,&quot; she wrote.  </p><p>In November, following a series of natural disasters, Catriona again spoke out, emphasizing that Filipinos deserve better preparation and governance. </p><p>&quot;So many homes and lives devastated by the recent typhoons, earthquakes, and floods sa ating bansa. The storms will always come but we can be better prepared, systems put into place to mediate or reduce the [effects],&quot; she said in an Instagram post.  </p><p>Her message culminated in a powerful speech at the November 30 anti-corruption protest at the People Power Monument, where she described how corruption affects daily life. </p><p>&quot;Today we stand here us Filipinos who are tired. Tired of watching [how] corruption steals food from our tables, steals medicines from our hospitals, classrooms from our children, and safety from our communities. We have watched our families flooded again and again with the public funds that were meant to protect them are pocketed. Billions of pesos disappeared without accountability, without justice, without answers.” </p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DO2_eksCgpe/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=517&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A683867.7999999523%2C%22ls%22%3A683492.2999999523%2C%22le%22%3A683500.0999999046%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="621" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Angel Aquino </strong></div><p>Angel Aquino joined the September 21 rally at Rizal Park, drawing from her long history of activism. Speaking before the crowd, she reflected on her years as a student activist and expressed concern that corruption has become more blatant. </p><p>&quot;Parang mas malala pa ang nangyayari, mas in our face nila ginagawa ang pagnanakaw nila yung paglulustay nila sa sa mga pera natin,&quot; she said. </p><p>She stressed the importance of vigilance and accountability, saying, “Mas importante na bantayan natin ang kilos nila at panagutin natin sila.&quot; </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Jodi Sta. Maria </strong></div><p>Jodi Sta. Maria stood on the stage at Rizal Park on September 21. Addressing the crowd, she emphasized unity beyond sectors and backgrounds. </p><p>“Gusto ko lang mag-share. This is the very first time na sumali ako sa isang rally na katulad nito. Naniniwala ako na sa pagkakataong ito, it doesn’t really matter kung anong sector ang kinabibilangan mo, kung saang institution ka galing, kung anong paaralan ka grumaduate or kung anong paaralan ka nag-aaral. Ngayon, lahat tayo nandidito dahil tayong lahat ay Pilipino.” </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/9/22/jodi-sta-maria-inspires-the-crowd-at-her-first-rally-hindi-na-natin-ito-puwede-palagpasin-1004" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ: Jodi Sta. Maria inspires the crowd at her first rally: ‘Hindi na natin ito puwede palagpasin’</strong></a></div><p>“Para sa akin, importante na may managot. Hindi puwedeng wala eh. Kasi ilang beses na itong nangyayari. Ilang rebolusyon na ang pinagdaanan natin, simula ng EDSA, EDSA Dos, napakarami. Pero minsan nasa news, dalawang linggo, tatlong linggo, mamamatay, mawawala. Dapat hindi na natin ito puwede palagpasin. Lahat tayo naghihirap. Lahat tayo concerned sa ating bayan. Gusto natin maging masigla, malakas ang ating bayan. Hindi lang sa ating sarili kundi para sa susunod pa nating lahi. Hindi naman ito para sa atin.” </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Elijah Canlas </strong></div><p>Elijah Canlas expressed his frustration over corruption while speaking with reporters during the 21st Cinemalaya press conference. Although he admitted he is not always outspoken online, the actor said he closely follows the issues. </p><p>&quot;Sobrang busy lang ako ngayon kaya hindi ako masyado outspoken o nakakapagsalita even online. Pero deep down, updated ako. Deep down, marami akong nararamdamang galit, panghihinayang, empathy, sympathy sa mga kababayan natin, sa mga kapwa nating Filipino,&quot; he said.   </p><p>&quot;Dahil harap-harapan tayong niloloko. Harap-harapan tayong ginag*go, harap-harapan tayong pinagsisinungalingan ng mga taong namumuno sa atin, ng mga kumukurakot sa atin. At parang wala silang hiya lahat,&quot; he added.  </p><p>Elijah later showed his support by attending the Trillion Peso March on September 21. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/9/5/-harap-harapan-tayong-niloloko-elijah-canlas-slams-corruption-in-flood-control-projects-1631" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ: &#x27;Harap-harapan tayong niloloko&#x27;: Elijah Canlas slams corruption in flood control projects</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Angel Locsin </strong></div><p>Angel Locsin broke her social media silence on September 21 as Filipinos gathered for the Trillion Peso March. Known for her advocacy work, the actress shared her support for those fighting corruption. </p><p>&quot;Today, I&#x27;m breaking my social media silence. To all Filipinos fighting corruption — may God give you more strength to keep going. Watching the hearings, I couldn&#x27;t help but remember the messages and news of people begging for help. Families with homes washed away, parents who lost their work, lives lost to floods/typhoons. Naiiyak ako sa galit. kasi pwede pa lang hindi sila naghirap. Pwede pa lang walang nasaktan. Pwede pa lang walang namatay. Ang bigat. Nakakapanghina yung ganitong kasamaan. Pero mas nakakapanghina kung mananahimik lang tayo. Kaya we keep speaking, we keep fighting. For truth. For justice. For change. No politics. Para sa tao.&quot; </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/9/21/angel-locsin-breaks-social-media-hiatus-to-speak-out-against-corruption-1630" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ: Angel Locsin breaks social media hiatus to speak out against corruption</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Anne Curtis </strong></div><p><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/itsshowtime" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>It’s Showtime</em></a> host Anne Curtis joined street protests and used her social media platform to call for accountability and change. In one post, she reflected on marching for the country and the future of the next generation. </p><p>“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. What was stolen was never theirs to keep, but ours to build the Philippines we love and the future we deserve... I pray our children inherit a nation honest, thriving, and worthy of their dreams. ✨🇵🇭 Let’s not stay quiet until corruption ends!” </p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DO3bYxIEenN/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=517&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A709576.2000000477%2C%22ls%22%3A683492.2999999523%2C%22le%22%3A683500.0999999046%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1109" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>In October, she also expressed frustration after reports revealed that only 22 classrooms were completed out of a 1,700 target. </p><p>&quot;Ano na?! Classrooms are needed so badly for children. [Especially] in regions that struggle the most!&quot; she wrote in her Instagram stories.  </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Nadine Lustre </strong></div><p>Nadine Lustre continued to be vocal about corruption, stressing that government should be making life better for Filipinos. </p><p>“I’m really sad seeing people struggling, losing their homes, livelihood, pets, because we can’t find a solution. Nakakagalit, nakakalungkot na ‘yung binibigay natin na buwis sa ganon napupunta. Nakakainis talaga. It is sad funds are being used for something else. It is good people are speaking up. When you stand up for yourself, people will do something about it. At the end of the day, they have to take care of people. We are paying them to help us and make things better for us.” </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Regine Velasquez </strong></div><p>Regine Velasquez-Alcasid shared a reflection on paying high taxes while lacking basic services. On Instagram, she expressed frustration over feeling shortchanged despite decades of work. </p><p>“Nung bata ako ang akala ko mahirap ang Pilipinas hindi rin nakatulong na pinanganak akong mahirap. Pero ngayon na pagtantutantu ko hindi tayo mahirap!! Pinahihirapan tayo!!!” she wrote. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/11/10/regine-velasquez-expresses-heartbreak-over-cebu-s-devastation-from-typhoon-tino-1815" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>READ: Regine Velasquez expresses heartbreak over Cebu’s devastation from Typhoon Tino, calls for accountability and protection of natural resources</strong></a></div><p>Regine also raised environmental concerns after reposting a video showing destruction in Cebu following Typhoon Tino. </p><p>“HINDI BUMABAHA SA CEBU!!!!!!! Sinira nyo ang ang napakagandang Cebu natin!!!!😢😢😢😢BAKIT PINAHINTULUTANG HUKAYIN ANG MGA BUNDOK SINO NAG BIGAY NG PERMISO PARA SIRAIN ANG BIGAY SA ATIN NG DIYOS. PURO KAYO LAGAY. I&#x27;M SURE HINDI ITO DUMAAN SA MATINDING pagsisiyasat kung dapat bang sirain ang kabunduka naiintindihan ko kailangan natin ang mga minerals na ito pero hindi nyo man lang inisip ang consequences nito.”  </p><div> </div><div><strong>BINI Jhoanna and BINI Sheena </strong></div><p>BINI members Jhoanna and Sheena also joined the call through social media, sharing brief but pointed messages amid the nationwide outrage. </p><p>“IBALIK ANG KABAN NG BAYAN,” BINI Sheena wrote. </p><p>“Walang makakapigil sa pagbaha ng ating tinig. Wala man kami r’yan, sabay tayong bumubuhos ng panawagan para sa tama at makatarungan,” BINI Jhoanna said. </p><p>These voices remain part of a broader public outrage. Through rallies, interviews, and online posts, these celebrities helped keep attention on corruption issues that affected millions of Filipinos, reminding the public that accountability remains a collective demand.</p>

<p>Amid corruption issues, several Filipino celebrities spoke out through rallies, interviews, and social media, using their platforms to demand accountability and reform.</p>

Amid corruption issues, several Filipino celebrities spoke out through rallies, interviews, and social media, using their platforms to demand accountability and reform.

2025 RECAP: Vice Ganda, Catriona Gray, and more celebrities who used their voices against corruption

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2025 RECAP: Vice Ganda, Catriona Gray, and more celebrities who used their voices against corruption

Alyana De Guzman,

Push Team

Published January 01, 2026 10:56 AM PHT

Read More:

Vice Ganda

Anne Curtis

BINI Jhoanna

BINI Sheena

Jodi Sta.Maria

Regine Velasquez

Nadine Lustre

Angel Locsin

Elijah Canlas

Catriona Gray

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