Philippines Erupts in Protest Against Multi-Billion-Dollar Flood Control Corruption Scandal | Manila Demands Accountability

Massive Protests Sweep Manila Over Multi-Billion Dollar Flood Control Graft

Thousands of Filipinos recently converged in Manila, the nation's capital, to voice their outrage and demand accountability amidst a burgeoning multi-billion-dollar infrastructure corruption scandal. The anti-corruption demonstration, coinciding with Bonifacio Day, targeted alleged widespread graft linked to government flood-control projects, a critical issue for an archipelago frequently ravaged by powerful typhoons.

Ghost Projects and Public Fury

For months, public anger has simmered over so-called 'ghost' flood-control projects – schemes that have allegedly siphoned off vast sums of public money without delivering tangible protection. This comes as the country, home to 116 million people, has seen entire towns submerged by recent catastrophic floods. Protesters, marching down the historic EDSA thoroughfare – a symbol of the 1986 People Power Movement that ousted Ferdinand Marcos's father – chanted, "Put them in jail now!" Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, demonstrator Jessie Wanaluvmi J, a 20-year-old drag performer, told AFP, "There (are) people who died because of the corruption that is happening."

President Marcos Faces Broad Allegations

The spiraling scandal has ensnared a wide array of individuals, from scores of officials and lawmakers to construction firm owners. Even close associates of President Ferdinand Marcos, including a congressman cousin, have been implicated since the President highlighted the issue in a national address last July. Despite recent arrests of eight members from the Department of Public Works and Highways, and government assurances that "big fish are coming soon," many remain skeptical.

Calls for Higher Accountability

Critics like Mervin Toquero of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines argue that low-level arrests are insufficient. The 54-year-old asserted, "It's impossible that that corruption happened without the knowledge of the higher officials... They must be accountable, too." The sentiment was echoed by Azon Tobiano, 68, who traveled to Luneta Park after a social media call to action. "I really hope that justice will be served. I hope the president will be resolute to put in jail those accountable, whether it's his relatives or senators," she passionately stated.

A Lingering History of Impunity

The Philippines grapples with a long-standing history of public fund scandals, often characterized by high-ranking politicians escaping significant jail time despite corruption convictions. Sunday's protests were largely peaceful, with over 17,000 police deployed for crowd control. This stands in contrast to a September anti-corruption demonstration which saw clashes and more than 200 arrests, underscoring the deep-seated frustration and the public's unwavering demand for genuine systemic change.