In July, President Marcos revealed irregularities in nearly 9,855 flood-control initiatives valued at over $9.5 billion.
Published On 21 Sep 2025
In Manila, the capital of the Philippines, thousands have taken to the streets, expressing outrage over a corruption scandal tied to flood control projects that reportedly squandered billions of dollars.
Organizers anticipate one of the largest anti-corruption demonstrations in recent memory this Sunday, prompting authorities to place police and military forces on high alert to deter any violent incidents.
Similar unrest has erupted in neighboring Indonesia, where citizens have protested nationwide against police brutality, parliamentary pay raises, and escalating inflation.
During the march, demonstrators brandished Philippine flags and carried a banner stating, “Enough is enough, imprison them,” demanding accountability for those implicated in the scandal.
Student activist Althea Trinidad shared with The Associated Press her frustration: “It’s heartbreaking that while we struggle with poverty, losing our homes and futures, corrupt officials indulge in lavish lifestyles funded by our taxes-luxury vehicles, extravagant vacations, and massive business deals.”
“We aspire to build a society where exploitation is no longer tolerated.”
According to AFP, approximately 13,000 people had assembled at Manila’s Luneta Park by Sunday morning.
Public indignation has intensified since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. exposed the scandal in his July State of the Nation address, revealing discrepancies in nearly 9,855 flood-control projects valued at over 545 billion pesos ($9.5 billion).
In response, Marcos formed an independent panel to probe the irregularities uncovered in these infrastructure undertakings.
Further fueling public anger was the revelation that a wealthy couple, Sarah and Pacifico Discaya, owners of multiple construction firms, secured flood control contracts despite possessing a fleet of luxury European and American vehicles.
On Monday, President Marcos expressed understanding toward the protesters, stating he did not fault them “in the slightest” for voicing their grievances, while urging peaceful demonstrations. He also confirmed that the military remains on “red alert” as a precautionary measure.
Al Jazeera’s Barnaby Lo, reporting from Manila, noted that the protest is spearheaded by Christian groups across denominations, with the Catholic Church historically playing a pivotal role in mobilizing Filipinos.
“The timing of these protests on September 21 is significant, coinciding with the anniversary of martial law declared by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and occurring along the highway where two People Power revolutions unfolded,” Lo explained.
He added that demonstrators are calling on the president to implement enduring reforms aimed at eliminating corruption at every level of government.
Among the protesters, 23-year-old nursing student Aly Villahermosa recounted her struggles with flooding in the typhoon-prone nation.
“If funds are being siphoned off for phantom projects, then why is the healthcare sector chronically underfunded?” she questioned, condemning the embezzlement of public resources as “deeply disgraceful.”
