Manila, Philippines – Thousands of Filipinos rallied in the capital today demanding accountability following revelations of widespread corruption in flood-control projects, a scandal that has engulfed lawmakers, business leaders, and government officials. The protests come as the nation grapples with the aftermath of recent typhoons that caused devastating floods and landslides, leaving at least 259 dead and millions affected this month.
The scandal centers on allegations that billions of pesos earmarked for infrastructure improvements were diverted through fraudulent schemes, contributing to the Philippines’ vulnerability to extreme weather events. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed to prosecute those responsible, stating on Thursday that many implicated senators, members of Congress, and wealthy businesspeople ”would be in jail by Christmas.”
An independent fact-finding commission established by Marcos has already filed criminal complaints against 37 individuals for graft, corruption, and plunder. Additionally, complaints have been lodged against 86 construction company executives and nine government officials for allegedly evading nearly 9 billion pesos ($152 million) in taxes.
Accusations extend across the political spectrum, including former House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin and key ally of the president, and former Senate President Chiz Escudero, both of whom deny wrongdoing. Senator Bong Go, a close associate of former President Rodrigo Duterte, also faces allegations of involvement, which he has refuted.
The unfolding crisis has even drawn criticism from Duterte himself, who is currently detained by the international Criminal Court in the Netherlands on charges of crimes against humanity related to his anti-drugs crackdown. His daughter, the current vice president, has called for Marcos to be held accountable for approving the 2025 national budget, which allocated funds for the flood control projects at the heart of the scandal.
despite isolated calls from some Duterte supporters for the military to withdraw its support for Marcos, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. has firmly affirmed the military’s commitment to upholding the Constitution. “With full conviction, I assure the public that the armed forces will not engage in any action that violates the Constitution,” Brawner stated.”Not today, not tomorrow and certainly not under my watch.”