Braving heavy rains, thousands of Kapampangans massed at the Metropolitan Cathedral grounds in San Fernando on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, hoisting placards that denounced corruption in government flood-control projects. Many banners singled out former representative Aurelio ‘Dong’ Gonzales and his family’s firm, accused of building a failed flood control structure in Arayat. — Photo by Tonette T. Orejas
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Despite heavy rains, around 6,000 residents from across Pampanga gathered at the grounds of the Metropolitan Cathedral here on Thursday, Sept. 18, to demand an end to corruption in government projects, particularly those involving flood control measures.
The rally, organized by the Concerned Citizens of Pampanga (CCP), drew a strong crowd carrying placards condemning corruption.
Braving heavy rains, thousands of Kapampangans massed at the Metropolitan Cathedral grounds in San Fernando on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, hoisting placards that denounced corruption in government flood-control projects. Many banners singled out former representative Aurelio ‘Dong’ Gonzales and his family’s firm, accused of building a failed flood control structure in Arayat. — Photo by Tonette T. Orejas
Some protesters singled out former Pampanga Third District representative and deputy speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, whose family-owned firm, A.D. Gonzales Construction and Trading Co., was behind the failed flood control structure in Barangay Candating, Arayat.
The mass action was preceded by a holy Mass. In his homily, Fr. Paul Velasquez stressed that the culture of corruption could take decades to undo, underscoring the importance of educating the youth. Fr. Emil Dizon added that taking a stand against corruption today is a way of safeguarding future generations.
Braving heavy rains, thousands of Kapampangans massed at the Metropolitan Cathedral grounds in San Fernando on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, hoisting placards that denounced corruption in government flood-control projects. Many banners singled out former representative Aurelio ‘Dong’ Gonzales and his family’s firm, accused of building a failed flood control structure in Arayat. — Photo by Tonette T. Orejas
Undeterred by the rains brought by Tropical Depression Nando and the southwest monsoon, rallyists stayed on.
Averell Laquindanum, another CCP convenor, said Pampanga has suffered the brunt of prolonged flooding because the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) allocated meager funds to the flood-prone province.
Braving heavy rains, thousands of Kapampangans massed at the Metropolitan Cathedral grounds in San Fernando on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, hoisting placards that denounced corruption in government flood-control projects. Many banners singled out former representative Aurelio ‘Dong’ Gonzales and his family’s firm, accused of building a failed flood control structure in Arayat. — Photo by Tonette T. Orejas
Former provincial board member Ananias Canlas Jr. urged Kapampangans to keep protesting until corrupt officials are held accountable and jailed.
Leaders of farmers’ and workers’ groups also addressed the crowd, lamenting how difficult it is to earn a living while public funds are squandered through corruption. /das