Thousands of Filipinos flooded the streets of Manila today, demanding justice and accountability in a sprawling multi-billion-dollar infrastructure scandal that has ensnared officials, lawmakers, and construction company owners.
Anger has been building over so-called “ghost flood-control projects,” as typhoons continue to devastate towns, leaving communities submerged and lives disrupted across the 116-million-strong archipelago.
President Ferdinand Marcos has faced mounting pressure, with allies and opponents alike—including a congressman cousin—embroiled in the widening controversy since he first addressed the issue in a national speech in July.
“Put them in jail now!” chanted protesters as they marched along Manila’s EDSA, the historic thoroughfare famously associated with the People Power Revolution that toppled Marcos’s father in 1986. In Luneta Park, just steps from the presidential palace, demonstrators held crocodile-shaped signs calling for an end to systemic corruption.
“There are people who died because of the corruption that is happening,” said 20-year-old drag performer Jessie Wanaluvmi J, speaking to AFP before a scheduled performance.
Days ago, authorities announced the first arrests in connection with the scandal—eight officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways—while promising that more “big fish” would soon face justice.
But critics like Mervin Toquero of the National Council of Churches remain unconvinced. “It’s impossible that this corruption happened without the knowledge of higher officials,” the 54-year-old said. “They must be accountable too.”
Among the demonstrators was 68-year-old Azon Tobiano, who brought her granddaughter after seeing 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 said.
The Philippines has a long-standing struggle with corruption scandals, where high-ranking officials have historically avoided serious jail time. Authorities deployed over 17,000 police officers to ensure crowd control, mindful of past demonstrations that erupted into clashes with more than 200 arrests.
Despite the tension, today’s protest remained largely peaceful, reflecting the country’s enduring fight for transparency and justice—a reminder that ordinary citizens continue to demand change, no matter the obstacles.
