Thousands march in Philippine protest vs corruption in flood control projects

THOUSANDS of Filipinos marched through the streets of the Philippine capital on Sunday to denounce corruption in the government, intensifying public pressure on authorities to act and hold officials linked to anomalous flood control projects accountable.

- By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio Reporter and Erika Mae P. Sinaking

About 3,000 people joined an anti-corruption protest at Luneta Park in Manila, led by left-wing groups bluntly calling for the resignations of officials linked to the multibillion-peso scandal, the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office said in a Facebook post. While 4,500 protestors gathered at a separate rally at the EDSA People Power Monument, according to Quezon City’s police.

The government should also begin arresting top officials linked to the graft scandal, Rafaela David, president of the Akbayan Party that organized the EDSA rally, said on the sidelines of the protest. “We should jail big fishes, not only anchovies,” she said.

“All of the fish must be caught, all of the fish must be answered, and there must be a big fish that should be caught before Christmas.”

The Nov. 30 protests coincide with the birth anniversary of Philippine hero Andres Bonifacio, a key figure in the country’s revolt against Spain in the 1890s. Hundreds, if not thousands, march the streets of the capital each year on that day, with activists using the commemoration to amplify their calls.

Ms. David said Sunday’s protest also called for an end to political dynasties, which have enabled corruption in the government.