Thousands of citizens filled the streets of Manila today, raising their voices against what they call a massive betrayal of public trust. At the heart of their outrage is a multi-billion-dollar flood control scandal, where officials, lawmakers, and construction company owners face accusations of corruption.
For months, anger has been simmering across the Philippines, where recent typhoons have devastated towns, leaving countless families struggling with floodwaters. Protesters say these so-called “ghost” flood-control projects—plans that never materialized—have left communities exposed to unnecessary danger.
President Ferdinand Marcos has seen the scandal touch allies and relatives alike, including a congressman cousin, since he first addressed the nation in July.
“Put them in jail now!” chanted demonstrators marching along EDSA, the historic avenue where the People Power Movement once ended his father’s rule in 1986. In Luneta Park, just a short distance from the presidential palace, protesters held crocodile-shaped signs symbolizing the corruption they want eradicated.
“There are people who died because of the corruption that is happening,” said 20-year-old drag performer Jessie Wanaluvmi J, speaking before her scheduled performance at the protest.
The first arrests—eight officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways—were announced just days ago, with authorities promising more high-profile arrests to come. But many activists remain unconvinced.
“It’s impossible that that corruption happened without the knowledge of higher officials,” said 54-year-old Mervin Toquero from the National Council of Churches in the Philippines. “They must be accountable too.”
Among the demonstrators was 68-year-old Azon Tobiano, who brought her granddaughter after seeing a call to action on social media. “I really hope 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 said.
The Philippines has a long history of public fund scandals, with high-ranking politicians often escaping serious jail time. Authorities deployed over 17,000 police officers for crowd control, ensuring today’s largely peaceful demonstrations did not escalate. Previous protests in September had turned violent, with more than 200 arrests reported.
As Manila’s streets echoed with chants demanding accountability, ordinary citizens made it clear: corruption cannot be swept under the rug, and justice must reach everyone, no matter their position.
