Over 100,000 Filipinos rally against flood control corruption

They call for those responsible to be held accountable, in largely peaceful protest

- Mara Cepeda Philippines Correspondent

A sea of black and white swept through Philippine capital Manila and neighbouring Quezon City on Sept 21, as more than 100,000 Filipinos gathered in a generally peaceful protest against corruption — echoing the spirit of the bloodless revolution that toppled a dictator in 1986.

The demonstrations were a defiant response to the alleged siphoning of public funds through “ghost” infrastructure projects tied to flood control.

Protesters condemned lawmakers, construction firm owners and public works officials currently being investigated by the government for allegedly pocketing huge sums meant to protect communities from rising waters.

Ironically, the probe that sparked the protests was ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr - the son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr, who was deposed in 1986 during the peaceful People Power uprising.

President Marcos vowed that the investigation would spare “no sacred cows” after reports emerged of anomalies in the 1.9 trillion peso (S$42.6 billion) flood control budget in the last 15 years.

The demonstrations stretched from Luneta Park in Manila to the People Power Monument in Quezon City, with the participants decrying what they described as institutionalised theft and political patronage disguised as public works.

Many of them were young Filipinos, who told The Straits Times they were fed up with “rotten corruption” that has plagued the government.

The protest colour of white stands for unity and hope, while black is a sign of defiance.

“We are inheriting this country some day. How can we thrive under a corrupt government?” medical student Paolo Chaves, 24, of the University of the Philippines-Manila, told ST. “We are tired of this rotten system.”

Many protesters carried placards that read “Return our stolen money!” and “Everyone involved must be held accountable!”.