Mass Protests Rock Manila: Flood Control Corruption Scandal Implicates High-Ranking Officials

Tens of thousands of citizens have mobilized in Manila, Philippines, since November 16, 2025, initiating three days of massive demonstrations. The majority of participants belong to the influential religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo. These widespread actions stem from public outrage over a massive fraud scheme involving crucial flood protection projects, many of which were either substandard or completely unfunded despite substantial allocated resources.

This egregious misappropriation of public funds poses a direct threat to public safety in a nation frequently ravaged by devastating typhoons. According to estimates released by the Department of Finance, the national economy suffered staggering losses totaling 118.5 billion pesos (approximately $2 billion USD) between 2023 and 2025 due to systemic corruption within this critical infrastructure sector. Scheduled to continue until November 18, the protest activities are centered in the historic Rizal Park, causing significant logistical disruption across the capital, including the necessary closure of major thoroughfares like Roxas Boulevard and Bonifacio Boulevard.

To maintain order throughout the capital during the demonstrations, an extensive deployment of over 16,000 police personnel was necessary. While officially labeled a “religious” gathering, the demonstration is widely understood as a potent expression of public frustration regarding the misuse and diversion of funds earmarked for vital infrastructure. The Department of Finance has even dubbed some of these fraudulent undertakings "ghost projects," underscoring the deep-seated, systemic nature of the problem.

The scale of the allegations has reached the highest echelons of the political establishment. Criminal complaints have already been filed against 37 individuals, including senators, members of Congress, and businessmen. Additionally, 86 construction company executives and 9 government officials face charges related to tax evasion amounting to roughly 9 billion pesos. Particular scrutiny is focused on Martin Romualdez, the President’s cousin and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, who stepped down from his post amid the unfolding scandal.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has publicly vowed that arrests related to the case will be executed before Christmas. However, he noted that his cousin, Martin Romualdez, would not yet face prosecution due to insufficient evidence. Compounding the political tension is the open criticism emanating from the highest levels of government. Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly demanded accountability from President Marcos himself for signing the 2025 national budget, which she claims inadvertently funded these fraudulent schemes. This visible rift within the administration signals a profound crisis of confidence among the nation's leaders.

Amidst this political upheaval, General Romeo Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, issued a statement guaranteeing that the military would uphold the Constitution and refrain from taking action against legitimate civilian expression. This assurance confirms the preservation of constitutional order during the current political turbulence. The need for peaceful assembly is heightened by the memory of previous demonstrations on this issue in September, which were marred by violence resulting in injuries to over 100 police officers.