‘Queen of queens’: Catriona Gray earns praise for standing against corruption at November 30 rally

December 1, 2025 – 11:33 AM

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray attends the Trillion Peso March protest at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on Nov. 30, 2025 (Philstar.com/Martin Ramos)

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“That’s my queen right there.”

Filipinos were all praises for Miss Universe 2018

Catriona Gray

after she called out corruption and political dynasties in government during the second rally of the

Trillion Peso March Movement (TPMM)

on Sunday, November 30.

Catriona was among the participants in the program of the TPMM, which staged its second demonstration since the flood control corruption scandal came to light.

The rally, held at the EDSA People Power Monument, also featured appearances by Rep.

Leila de Lima

(Mamamayang Liberal party-list), actors

Pokwang

Pinky Amador

Mitch Valdez

, and

Elijah Canlas

, and musicians

Ben&Ben, Maki

Amiel Sol

, among others.

The beauty queen also delivered a speech highlighting how government corruption affects Filipinos, urging the public to keep fighting it and to raise their voices in demanding accountability.

“Today, we stand here as Filipinos who are tired. Tired of watching corruption steal food from our tables, steal medicines from our hospitals, classrooms from our children, and safety from our communities,” she said.

“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,” Catriona added.

“What scares me the most is this — many are starting to forget why we are angry. People have gone silent, not because they do not care, but they lost the belief that change will ever come and while our nation grows exhausted, our leaders remain silent. Sobrang tahimik, nakakabingi! Bakit tayo pumapayag?” she said.

“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 scandal pa? Ilang nakaw na pondo pa? Before we finally say, tama na!” Catriona said.

“Obviously, this is a system built to benefit the corrupt few and every time we stay quiet, corruption wins. And when corruption wins, ‘yung mga nakaupo lang ang nananalo. Sila lang ang nabubusog, sila ang nakakauwi sa mga mansion sa America. Sila ang nakakabili ng designer bags, habang ang taong bayan lumulubog sa baha, sa utang, at sa kahirapan,” she added.

In her closing remarks, the beauty queen urged government institutions to act swiftly on pressing issues.

“That’s why today, we demand action! To the Ombudsman, file the cases now! To the senators, suspend the senators implicated. And to the Congress, pass the anti-political dynasty bill because power should not be inherited, it should be earned through service of the people,” Catriona exclaimed.

Clips of the beauty queen’s speech went viral, with Filipinos praising her for using her platform and influence to join the calls against corruption.

“She doesn’t get tired of being a Miss Universe. A potential future leader of our country with her advocacy [for] good governance,” an

online user

said.

“This is how to use your influence. Be the voice of people who need it,” another

wrote

“Reason why I think Catriona is the queen of queens in PH [Philippines],” a different X

user

“Miss Universe Gray… Bravo. Salamat! Sa pagtindig,” another

Pinoy

wrote.

“[That’s] my queen right there, fighting for my country,” a different X

user

Catriona is one of the most vocal Filipino beauty queens, frequently using her social media accounts to

express

frustrations with the government.

She also

joined

the first anti-corruption protest last September, where she was seen holding a Philippine flag.