MANILA — Massive anti-corruption protests swept across Metro Manila and several provincial cities on Sunday, as over 100,000 Filipinos voiced outrage over a widening scandal involving alleged fraudulent flood-control projects, estimated to have cost taxpayers more than ₱100 billion.
The protests follow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address, in which he acknowledged the public’s anger and placed the issue at the forefront of national concern. Referring to the scandal as one involving “ghost infrastructure projects,” the President stated that he could not blame citizens for expressing their frustration and admitted that, were he not in office, he might have joined the demonstrations himself.
According to organizers, more than 50,000 demonstrators gathered at the EDSA People Power Monument, while city authorities estimated around 45,000 people converged on Rizal Park in Manila. Protesters carried placards and banners demanding the removal and prosecution of all individuals involved in the corruption—from both the Duterte and Marcos administrations.
The Department of Finance recently disclosed that the economy may have lost up to ₱118.5 billion between 2023 and 2025 due to irregularities in flood control programs. Earlier this month, a construction firm publicly accused nearly 30 lawmakers and officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of accepting illicit payments.
Among those present at the rallies were senators, representatives, and civil society leaders, including Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima, Senators Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan, and Bam Aquino, as well as representatives from Akbayan, Tindig Pilipinas, and the Youth Against Kurakot (YAK) coalition. “Irresponsibility must not become a culture. Just as we ended Martial Law, we must end corruption and the violation of our dignity and rights,” said De Lima in a statement.
Demonstrations were also held in Bacolod and Baguio cities. A pro-Duterte gathering was organized in Davao City, where 100 heads of cattle were reportedly roasted for attendees.
In Makati, actors and media personalities—including Dingdong Dantes, Kim Molina, Jerald Napoles, and Benjamin Alves—participated in an anti-corruption run. At Rizal Park, actress Maris Racal joined with the Philippine-Palestine Friendship Association, calling for full accountability. Other public figures present included Andrea Brillantes, Jodi Sta. Maria, Angel Aquino, Vice Ganda, Catriona Gray, and Anne Curtis.
While most protests remained peaceful, isolated incidents of violence occurred near a bridge leading to the presidential palace. In two separate clashes, groups of masked individuals threw rocks and bottles at law enforcement officers and set tires ablaze. Police responded with arrests and water cannons. Seventeen individuals were detained, and several—including journalist Manny Vargas—sustained injuries.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) condemned the violence and emphasized the need to protect members of the press. “Journalist safety is non-negotiable,” said PTFOMS Executive Director Jose Torres Jr.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro reiterated the administration’s support for lawful protest but emphasized that President Marcos had already ordered an official probe into the alleged anomalies. “Let us focus on holding the truly accountable parties responsible,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines issued a statement affirming that the fight against corruption would persist beyond the day’s events. “This struggle will continue until all those involved in large-scale corruption are punished and brought to justice,” the CBCP declared.| – BNN Integrated News
