As nationwide protests against corruption loom on September 21, former Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to act as a leader for all Filipinos, regardless of political affiliation.
In an interview on DZRH News’ Special on Saturday on September 20, Honasan said the President must rise above politics and show moral authority in confronting allegations of massive corruption in government.
“Ang kailangan gawin ng ating Pangulo ay maging Pangulo ng Republika ng Pilipinas, maging Pangulo ng lahat ng Pilipino, kalaban man sa pulitika o hindi. May mga hakbang na siyang ginagawa. Sinasabi niya, mahiya naman kayo,” he said.
Thousands are expected to rally in Metro Manila and other parts of the country to denounce alleged anomalies in flood control projects worth nearly ₱1.9 trillion from 2011 to 2025.
Despite this huge spending as exposed by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, severe flooding continues to cripple communities during extreme weather.
Likewise, Honasan downplayed fears that the mass demonstrations would fuel instability.
Instead, he argued that peaceful mobilizations could strengthen democratic institutions.
“Ang kahihinatnan nito ay magdagdag sa stabilidad ng ating bansa, itong pinagpala nating Pilipinas, hindi lalong makagulo,” he said.
The former senator, who once led military uprisings before becoming a lawmaker and Cabinet official, said the burden now rests on the President to set the tone of governance.
