SB19’s Pablo and Josh Use Viral Kapangyarihan Rendition to Call Out Corruption in the Philippines
September 22, 2025 — Filipino pop superstars SB19 are making headlines beyond the music world after two of its members, Pablo and Josh, went viral for a bold performance of Kapangyarihan that openly called out corruption in the Philippines.
The video, widely shared on social media, shows the duo singing lines from Kapangyarihan—a politically charged track originally released by Ben&Ben (a popular folk pop band in the Philippines) featuring SB19—but with altered lyrics that included explicit language aimed at leaders accused of betraying public trust. The timing was symbolic: it surfaced just as tens of thousands of Filipinos filled the streets on September 21, 2025, in one of the country’s largest anti-corruption demonstrations in recent years.
Music as Protest
SB19, often described as the Kings of P-Pop and credited with bringing P-pop (Pinoy pop) to global stages, are no strangers to socially relevant themes. The song Kapangyarihan itself translates to “Power” and questions abuses of authority with the sharp refrain, “Do you think power is yours? Who are you?”
By cursing in place of some of the original lines, Pablo and Josh heightened the emotional intensity of their message, channeling the outrage of Filipinos toward officials linked to corruption scandals. Fans online praised the act as an example of artists leveraging their platform to reflect public sentiment.
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| Vintage Cap Simula at Wakas Fanmade Merch |
The Protests: “Trillion Peso March”
The viral video coincided with mass demonstrations dubbed the “Trillion Peso March” or “Baha sa Luneta” (Flood at Luneta), where more than 45,000 people rallied in Manila’s historic Rizal Park, with parallel events across major Philippine cities.
Protesters demanded accountability after revelations of irregularities in flood-control projects worth over ₱545 billion (approximately US$9.6 billion). Investigations found that contractors allegedly funneled money into luxury lifestyles, while substandard or non-existent projects left communities vulnerable to flooding. Nearly 30 lawmakers and top officials have since been implicated, leading to resignations and ongoing probes.
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| Vintage Cap Simula at Wakas Fanmade Merch |
Global Significance
The events highlight how art and culture intersect with politics, with SB19’s viral clip amplifying the demands of protesters. For international fans, it underscores that the group’s influence extends beyond music charts and into civic discourse—mirroring how artists worldwide have historically used their platforms to challenge injustice.
As investigations continue and protests grow, the powerful blend of music and activism demonstrates that, in the Philippines, pop culture is playing a critical role in shaping conversations about democracy and accountability.
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