Nationwide Protests Erupt Over ₱100-Billion Corruption Scandal
Over 100,000 Filipinos took to the streets across Metro Manila and several provinces to protest massive corruption involving fake flood-control projects that have allegedly cost the nation more than ₱100 billion. The scandal, widely referred to as involving “ghost infrastructure projects,” was thrust into the spotlight by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his July state of the nation address, following weeks of deadly flooding.
Marcos acknowledged public frustration and even admitted he might have joined the protests himself if he weren’t in office. “I cannot blame the people,” he said.
In Metro Manila, over 50,000 people gathered at the EDSA People Power Monument, while 45,000 assembled in Rizal Park, Manila, according to organizers and city officials. Protesters carried banners demanding justice and accountability from officials involved in corruption, from the Duterte administration through to the current one.
The Department of Finance estimates that ₱118.5 billion has been lost between 2023 and 2025 due to fraudulent flood-control projects. Earlier this month, a construction company accused nearly 30 lawmakers and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials of accepting bribes.
The protests were joined by politicians and celebrities alike. Senators Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan, and Bam Aquino, along with former Senator Leila de Lima and other progressive leaders, marched with reform-oriented groups like Akbayan, Tindig Pilipinas, and Youth Against Kurakot (YAK). “Just as we ended Martial Law, we must now end corruption and the violation of our rights,” De Lima said.
Similar rallies were held in Baguio and Bacolod. Meanwhile, a pro-Duterte rally in Davao City featured the roasting of 100 heads of cattle.
In Makati, film and TV stars—including Dingdong Dantes, Kim Molina, and Jerald Napoles—participated in an anti-corruption run. At Rizal Park, actress Maris Racal marched with the Philippine-Palestine Friendship Association, declaring that all corrupt officials must be held accountable. Other celebrities in attendance included Andrea Brillantes, Jodi Sta. Maria, Angel Aquino, Vice Ganda, Catriona Gray, and Anne Curtis.
The day began peacefully, with a 50,000-strong morning gathering at Luneta and thousands more joining later in the day at EDSA for what was dubbed the “Trillion Peso March.” However, violence erupted when masked men clashed with police near a bridge leading to the presidential palace. Rocks and bottles were thrown, and tires were set on fire. Police arrested 17 young people in one incident and used water cannons in another.
Broadcast journalist Manny Vargas was injured by a projectile during the unrest. The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) condemned the violence and emphasized the need to protect journalists.
Presidential Communication Undersecretary Claire Castro maintained that freedom of expression is protected but warned protesters not to break the law. She defended President Marcos, noting that he initiated the investigation into the fraudulent projects.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) vowed to continue the fight beyond the rally. “This struggle will not end until all those involved in large-scale corruption are punished and jailed,” the bishops declared.| – BNN Integrated News
