Manila, Philippines – Tens of thousands of demonstrators converged in the capital and cities across the Philippines on sunday in one of the largest anti-corruption protests in recent years, demanding accountability for a massive scandal involving government flood control projects.
The nationwide demonstrations, dubbed the "Trillion Peso March," coincided with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law by former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., adding a layer of historical weight to the public outcry. The main rally in Manila saw an estimated 18,000 people gather in historic Luneta Park and other key areas, with similar protests held in various provinces.
The movement was organized by a broad coalition of church groups, civil society organizations, labor unions, and political factions. Protesters are targeting what they describe as systemic corruption in thousands of infrastructure projects. At the heart of the scandal are allegations that nearly half of the ₱1.9 trillion (approximately US$33 billion) spent on over 9,800 flood-control projects in the past 15 years was lost to kickbacks and fraud, implicating numerous lawmakers and government officials.
While the demonstrations were largely peaceful, authorities reported an isolated incident near the presidential palace in Manila. The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed the arrest of 17 individuals for allegedly setting fire to tires and hurling rocks at riot police. The government mounted a significant security operation in response to the planned mass actions, deploying over 4,300 police personnel nationwide. Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) imposed no-fly zones over Rizal Park and the EDSA Shrine in Manila for 24 hours as a precautionary measure.
In a notable development, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of the late dictator, expressed support for the public's right to peaceful protest. Ahead of the rallies, Marcos Jr. announced the formation of an independent commission, to be led by a former supreme court justice, to investigate the anomalies in the flood control projects.
"No one will be spared in this investigation," President Marcos Jr. stated in a recent address, vowing to hold any individual accountable, regardless of their status.
The date of the protest, September 21, is deeply symbolic in the Philippines, marking a day of remembrance for the brutalities and corruption that defined the martial law era under Marcos Sr. The protests evoke memories of past "People Power" movements that have historically taken place on the same date and major thoroughfares, underscoring a continuing struggle for democracy and good governance. The massive turnout for the "Trillion Peso March" signals growing national discontent and a powerful, unified demand for an end to corruption.