Hundreds of thousands rallied in Manila to demand action after a major flood‑control corruption scandal implicated influential lawmakers and senior officials. Investigations revealed thousands of flood‑defense projects across the typhoon‑prone country were substandard, incomplete or never built. Witnesses—including engineers and construction executives—testified that some legislators and Department of Public Works and Highways officials accepted kickbacks to secure contracts. Protesters called for criminal probes, audits and immediate repairs to protect vulnerable communities.
Massive Manila Rally: Hundreds of Thousands Demand Justice After Flood‑Control Corruption Scandal
Hundreds of thousands rallied in Manila to demand action after a major flood‑control corruption scandal implicated influential lawmakers and senior officials. Investigations revealed thousands of flood‑defense projects across the typhoon‑prone country were substandard, incomplete or never built. Witnesses—including engineers and construction executives—testified that some legislators and Department of Public Works and Highways officials accepted kickbacks to secure contracts. Protesters called for criminal probes, audits and immediate repairs to protect vulnerable communities.
07:20 PM, 11/16/2025Politics
Massive Manila Rally Demands Accountability Over Flood‑Control Corruption
Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos filled the streets of Manila on Sunday in the largest demonstration so far, demanding accountability after a widespread flood‑control corruption scandal implicated powerful lawmakers and senior government officials.
Investigators and public hearings have found that thousands of flood‑defense projects across the typhoon‑prone Philippines were substandard, left unfinished or never built. Under oath during Senate hearings and before a fact‑finding commission, government engineers, Department of Public Works and Highways officials and construction company executives testified that some members of Congress and public‑works officials accepted kickbacks to steer lucrative contracts and evade oversight.
The protests, organized by civic groups, labor unions and affected communities, emphasized the human cost of the alleged corruption: inadequate flood defenses increase the risk to lives, homes and livelihoods during frequent storms and typhoons. Demonstrators called for criminal investigations, transparent audits of infrastructure spending, and urgent repairs to neglected projects.
Ongoing developments: Senate hearings and the fact‑finding commission are reviewing testimony and documents; public pressure is mounting for prosecutions, procurement reform and stronger safeguards to prevent future abuses.
Authorities say investigations are continuing. Activists argue sustained civic oversight will be essential to enforce reforms and ensure future infrastructure funds are spent transparently and effectively.