Manila, Sept 22 (V7N) – Thousands of people took to the streets of Manila on Sunday (Sept 21), to protest against alleged corruption in the country’s flood control projects, claiming that millions of dollars of public funds have been misappropriated.
 
The demonstrations escalated despite police and military presence aimed at maintaining order, with reports of clashes in several areas. At least 17 people were arrested. Law enforcement officials said protesters threw stones at police and set barricades on fire, prompting authorities to use water cannons on some masked demonstrators. Some officers were reportedly targeted by stones during the confrontations.
 
Manila Mayor Francisco Isco Moreno Domagoso confirmed that injured police officers received immediate medical care and were admitted to nearby hospitals. He urged citizens to maintain peace and order during the protests.
 
Protesters carried the Philippine flag and banners reading “No More, Enough, Jail Them,” expressing their frustration with the government. Student activists called for accountability for those involved in corruption. Althea Trinidad, a student activist, told AFP, “We live in poverty, lose our homes and future, while public funds are used for luxury cars, overseas trips, and business deals. We demand a system where people are not exploited.”
 
According to Manila city officials, around 50,000 people joined the demonstration at Luneta Park.
 
The corruption allegations came to light in July when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted irregularities in flood control projects, prompting the creation of an independent commission to investigate 9,855 projects worth 545 billion pesos (approximately $9.5 billion). Public anger grew when a wealthy couple, Sara and Pacifico Discaya, who run construction companies, were awarded contracts under the same projects, revealing their ownership of luxury vehicles in Europe and the United States.
 
President Marcos emphasized that citizens are not responsible for protesting against corruption and called for peaceful demonstrations. The military remains on “red alert.”
 
Protest organizers include various Christian Church groups, historically influential in mobilizing civic action in the Philippines. The demonstration coincided with the anniversary of the former President Ferdinand Marcos’ Law and Order Day and the site of two historic People Power Revolutions.
 
Protesters demanded systemic reforms to curb corruption at all government levels. Nursing student Ally Villahermosa, 23, remarked, “If there is a budget for ghost projects, why is there none for health care? It is truly shameful.”
 
Despite clashes and arrests, thousands of Filipinos peacefully voiced their demands, sending a strong message against governmental corruption and social injustice.
 
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