Catriona Gray: ‘Every time we stay quiet, corruption wins’

MANILA, Philippines – Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray delivered a resounding speech against corruption and the misuse of public funds during the Trillion Peso March on Sunday, November 30.

Gray was recognized as one of the top celebrity taxpayers in March 2025, when she took pride in being a responsible citizen, and encouraged others to follow suit.

This time, it’s no different, but she set foot on stage at the People Power Monument echoing calls for justice, in hopes that they serve as a wake-up call for those who are beginning to forget why the Filipino people should be angry in the first place.

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“People have gone silent, not because they do not care, but because they have lost the belief that change will ever come. And while our nation grows exhausted, our leaders remain silent. Sobrang tahimik, nakakabingi (The silence is deafening). Why do we allow this to happen to us again and again? When are we going to wake up? What more do we need? Ilang baha pa, ilang skandal pa, ilang nakaw na pondo pa, before we finally say, “Tama na? (How many floods, scandals, and stolen funds will it take before we finally say “Enough is enough),” she said.

Gray was quick to point out that while majority of the spotlight is on flood control now, she can’t imagine what it would be like if other industries like education, agriculture, and healthcare, among others, were also added to the mix.

“Obviously, this is a system built to benefit the corrupt few. And every time we stay quiet, corruption wins,” Gray said.

“And when corruption wins, ‘yung mga nakaupo lang ang nananalo. Sila ang nabubusog. Sila ang nakakauwi sa mga mansion sa Amerika. Sila ang nakakabili ng designer bags, habang ang taumbayan lumulubog sa baha, sa utang, at sa kahirapan. That’s why today, we demand action,” the beauty queen added.

(And when corruption wins, only those in power win. It is they who get satisfied. They are the ones who get to go home to their mansions in America. They are the ones who get to buy designer bags, while the nation sinks in floods, debt, and poverty. That’s why today, we demand action.)

The 31-year-old stunner called on the Ombudsman to file cases against guilty individuals, and for the Senate to suspend all the senators implicated in the flood control scandal. She then called on Congress to pass the anti-political dynasty bill.

Catriona also led a prayer to “reveal every hidden corruption,” and to finally give justice to those who long for it.

Gray was also present at the September Trillion Peso March, where she and several other celebrities joined Vice Ganda on stage as the actor-comedian challenged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to throw all thieving politicians in jail if he wants to fix his legacy.

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– Rappler.com