The call to hold the government accountable is often most powerfully heard in the streets, where people gather in solidarity and unite toward a common goal. Such acts stand as a testament to the public’s growing weariness of leaders who evade responsibility while the masses continue to suffer.
Amidst the roar of thousands demanding change, accountability, and a brighter future, music often becomes an integral part of the battle and a rallying cry, with certain songs serving as anthems for standing together and speaking truth to power.
With this in mind, Billboard Philippines rounds up OPM tracks perfect for amplifying and echoing the fight for one’s rights — from lyrical geniuses like Gloc-9, Abra, and Loonie to Pinoy rock powerhouses like Rivermaya, Bamboo, and Yano.
“Upuan” — Gloc-9 (feat. Jeazell Grutas)
A seminal entry in the legendary rapper and singer-songwriter repertoire of politically charged songs, Gloc-9‘s “Upuan,” which translates to “chair” — serves as a metaphor for the complacency and detachment of those in power. The song critiques the comfortable lives of politicians who remain “seated” in their positions at the expense of the ordinary people. As the lead single from Gloc-9’s 2009 album Matrikula, it features Jeazell Grutas, formerly of the pop/rock band Zelle, and continues to serve as an anthem for the Filipino people in their ongoing struggle to hold leaders accountable.
“Tatsulok” — Bamboo
Contrary to popular belief, the song “Tatsulok” isn’t a Bamboo original but a cover of the song originally written in 1989 by Rom Dongeto and performed by his folk-rock band, Buklod. The title means “triangle,” or “pyramid,” and the song criticizes the social hierarchy, showing how the elite hold power at the top while the marginalized suffer at the bottom. With Bamboo Mañalac’s roaring vocals in the 2007 cover, the track calls for change and urges young people to “flip the triangle” and fight this prevailing inequality.
“Liwanag Sa Dilim” — Rivermaya
Signaling the search for light in the darkness, the aptly titled “Liwanag Sa Dilim” is Rivermaya‘s now-iconic song that encourages hope and resilience during difficult times. Its lyrics urge listeners to persevere through adversity even when faced with challenges that seem impossible to overcome. While the song is not explicitly political, its message of strength, unity, and perseverance has resonated deeply with many Filipinos, who have embraced it as a source of motivation and emotional support in times of struggle.
“Trapo” — Yano
“Trapo,” named after the Filipino term for a politician perceived to be in the conventional and corrupt ruling class, is folk/punk rock band Yano‘s critique of the self-serving nature of such leaders. Released in 1994, the song was written by acclaimed poet and musician Dong Abay, using the metaphor of a “trapo,” or “rag,” to describe how politicians manipulate the system to stay in power. With honest and fearless lyrics rooted in anger and frustration, the song reflects the struggles of ordinary citizens in the face of political corruption.
“Lagusan” — Nekro Kevs, DJ Medmessiah, Morobeats
Morobeats, the Mindanao-based Filipino hip-hop collective and indie label founded by DJ Medmessiah, is committed to reflecting the harsh realities with their releases. For one, their track “Lagusan,” performed by Nekro Kevs and DJ Medmessiah, explores feeling trapped and struggling to escape a difficult reality. While the lyrics don’t explicitly address specific issues, it goes without saying that “Lagusan” reflects the struggles of marginalization and resilience with its story.
“Bente” — BLKD, UMPH
“Bente” is rich in storytelling, using a clever narrative that follows a 20-peso bill as it passes through the hands of individuals struggling to make ends meet. BLKD, the Cavite-born emcee and activist, teamed up with producer UMPH on this track, along with the rest of his 2015 album, Gatilyo. Characters such as a jeepney driver, a saleslady, and a crook represent the familiar faces often associated with poverty. By connecting these different stories, the song provides a better understanding of the hardships of everyday Filipino life.
“Magnanakaw” — Asin
As evident as it may be, “Magnanakaw” by the iconic Filipino folk/rock band Asin addresses social injustice and the exploitation of the poor by those in power. The song portrays the real “thieves” as those who live and breathe corruption, constantly widening the gap between the rich and the marginalized. Additionally, the song reflects the band’s commitment to social activism through their influential music, particularly during the late ’70s and ’80s, a tumultuous period in Philippine history.
“Ganid” — Loonie, Ron Henley
Constantly fearless and unhinged when addressing injustices, Loonie and Ron Henley teamed up on the track “Ganid,” which explores greed and corruption, particularly in Philippine society. As the title suggests, meaning “greedy,” the lyrics focus on individuals in power who exploit others for personal gain, often hiding behind a facade of righteousness. Through clever wordplay and storytelling, the artists highlight social injustice, hypocrisy — urging listeners to recognize and challenge such unethical behavior.
“Wala” — Kamikazee
Roaring with electric guitar riffs and drums that echo the plight of the ordinary Filipino, “Wala” by Kamikazee is a satirical anthem describing the politicians in the country and their actions, or lack thereof. The song’s lyrics use humor and irony to address social issues, resonating deeply with listeners who are detached from political discourse, paving the way for awareness to question authority.
“Ilusyon” — Abra (feat. Arci Munoz of Philia)
“Ilusyon” by Abra featuring Arci Muñoz is a hard-hitting hip-hop track released in 2013 that remains relevant for its critique of never-ending corruption, inequality, and unfulfilled promises of progress in the Philippines. Its playful yet visually striking music video highlights the gap between statements made and reality, blending hip-hop and rock elements to underscore the “illusion” presented to the public versus the real experiences and struggles of the masses.
Kolateral – KOLATERAL
Last but not least, with a scope larger than most albums dare to tackle, we’re adding Kolateral on this list. The 12-track hip-hop project created by Sandata and led by artists BLKD and Calix grapples with the human cost of the Duterte administration’s so-called “war on drugs.” Through real-life stories of police brutality and unjust killings, the artists give a voice back to the people, highlighting how the drug war failed at the expense of ordinary Filipinos. The entire album stands as a powerful collection of political anthems that deserves to be heard by many.