The political temperature in the Philippines is reaching a boiling point as reports surface regarding a “sinister plan” allegedly targeting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) scheduled for November 30, Bonifacio Day. What is being billed by organizers as a “peaceful civic action” at EDSA Ortigas to call for the President’s resignation is being viewed by administration supporters as a desperate, coordinated attempt to destabilize the government. The rallying cry of the opposition cites “widespread corruption” as the primary motivation for demanding PBBM’s ouster, but a deeper look suggests a far more complex and potentially cynical game of thrones is at play. The timing of this mobilization, coinciding with the President’s aggressive crackdown on deep-seated corruption within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), has led many to question: is this rally about saving the country, or is it about saving the corrupt?

The “Bad Plan” for Bonifacio Day

According to political commentators and pro-administration vloggers, the planned gathering on November 30 is not merely a commemoration of a national hero but a calculated move to force a leadership change. The call for “BBM Resign” is being amplified across social media platforms, urging citizens to march to EDSA Ortigas. However, supporters of the President argue that the narrative being pushed by these groups—that PBBM is the mastermind of corruption—is logically flawed. They point out that it is the current administration that has opened the floodgates of investigation, exposing billions of pesos in “ghost projects” and identifying influential lawmakers and contractors involved in anomalies that have plagued the nation for years.

The argument presented is stark: if PBBM were indeed the “mastermind,” he would have buried these scandals, not unearthed them. By exposing the systemic rot, he has effectively painted a target on his own back, inviting the wrath of powerful syndicates who stand to lose everything. The “bad plan,” therefore, is seen by loyalists as a counter-attack by these threatened elites. They allege that the true objective of the November 30 rally is to remove the one man standing in the way of their continued plunder. If PBBM is ousted, the investigations would likely stall, the charges would be dropped, and the “business as usual” culture of corruption would return, leaving the Filipino people as the ultimate losers.

A History of Cover-Ups vs. Exposure

To understand the magnitude of the current situation, one must look at the past. Critics of the upcoming rally recall that during the previous administration of President Rodrigo Duterte (PRRD), similar corruption scandals within the DPWH were identified but allegedly kept under wraps. In October 2020, the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) reportedly refused to name the congressmen involved in these anomalies, citing fears of compromising investigations. Administration supporters are now using this contrast to highlight PBBM’s political will. While the previous leadership allegedly shielded these names, the current administration is dragging them into the light.

This distinction is crucial in the ongoing information war. The opposition claims the government is failing; the administration’s defenders claim it is finally working. They challenge the logic of the protesters: why remove a President who is actively prosecuting the corrupt? The answer, they suggest, lies in self-preservation. The forces mobilizing for November 30 are described not as patriots, but as proxies for those terrified of facing justice. The fear is that if the rally succeeds in creating chaos or forcing a resignation, it would grant a blanket “absolution” to all those currently under investigation, effectively erasing their crimes against the people.

The Specter of Destabilization and Military Loyalty

The threat of destabilization is real, but so is the government’s resolve. Rumors of military involvement in potential coups have been circulating, but recent reports suggest that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remain loyal to the Constitution and the sitting President. Attempts to woo the military into withdrawing support for PBBM have reportedly failed, with the uniformed services rejecting overtures from opposition figures. This loyalty is a significant hurdle for any group hoping to replicate the “People Power” success of the past.

However, the danger remains that the rally could be used to provoke a violent response or create enough civil unrest to justify drastic measures. Some observers warn that if the chaos becomes unmanageable, it could force the declaration of a state of emergency or even martial law—a scenario that no one truly wants but might be inevitable if the rule of law is threatened. The administration’s supporters are urging the public to see through the “drama” and recognize the rally for what they believe it is: a last-ditch effort by the corrupt to regain control.

The Stake for the Common Filipino

Ultimately, the battle set for November 30 is not just about one man holding onto power; it is about the direction of the country’s governance. If the President is forced out because he dared to expose corruption, it sends a chilling message to future leaders: do not touch the syndicates, or you will be removed. Administration loyalists argue that this is a fight for the soul of the nation. They contend that allowing the “old guard” to return to power would be a tragedy, condemning the Philippines to a cycle of poverty and theft.

As the date approaches, the rhetoric on both sides is intensifying. The opposition promises a “peaceful” call for accountability, while the administration’s camp warns of a “bad plan” designed to protect the guilty. The Filipino people are once again caught in the crossfire, forced to decide who is truly fighting for their interests. Will November 30 be remembered as a day of patriotic defiance, or the day the corrupt struck back? The answer will likely play out on the streets of EDSA, under the watchful eyes of a nation holding its breath.