Clashes and Arrests as Tens of Thousands Protest Corruption in the Philippines
Manila, Philippines – An estimated 50,000 people marched in Manila on Sunday, September 21st, protesting widespread corruption within the Philippine government, resulting in clashes with police and reports of arrests. Demonstrators waved Philippine flags and carried a banner reading, “No more, too much, jail them,” demanding the prosecution of those involved in alleged corrupt practices.
The protests were sparked by revelations of “ghost infrastructure projects,” notably concerning flood-control initiatives. President ferdinand Marcos Jr. brought the scandal to light in his annual State of the Nation address in July, afterward establishing an autonomous commission to investigate anomalies in a majority of the 9,855 flood-control projects, totaling more than 545 billion pesos ($9.5bn).
Public outrage intensified following reports about Sarah and Pacifico Discaya, a wealthy couple operating several construction companies, who secured flood control contracts while simultaneously owning dozens of luxury European and US vehicles.
“I feel bad that we wallow in poverty and we lose our homes, our lives and our future while they rake in a big fortune from our taxes that pay for their luxury cars, foreign trips and bigger corporate transactions,” student activist Althea Trinidad told The Associated Press.”We want to shift to a system where people will no longer be abused.”
The presentation took place on the anniversary of the declaration of martial law by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and along the highway where two “people power revolutions” previously occurred. Christian churches of all denominations led the protest, with the Catholic Church playing a historically significant role in galvanizing the Filipino people.
According to Al Jazeera’s Barnaby lo, protesters are calling for “lasting reforms” to “eradicate any opportunity for corruption at any level of government.”
Clashes between protesters and police occurred as demonstrators attempted to reach the Malacañang presidential palace compound, resulting in a truck being set ablaze.President Marcos acknowledged the public’s anger on monday, stating he did not blame people for protesting “one bit,” while also calling for peaceful demonstrations. He added that the army was placed on “red alert” as a precautionary measure.
Aly Villahermosa, a 23-year-old nursing student, expressed her frustration to AFP, stating, “If there’s a budget for ghost projects, then why is there no budget for the health sector?” She described the theft of public funds as “truly shameful,” referencing the frequent flooding experienced in the storm-prone country.
