November 30, 2025 | 08:19 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thousands of protesters marched in the Philippines on Sunday, demanding that the government take strong action against officials involved in a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure scandal.
One of the protests was held by the left-wing groups in the capital Manila, which called for the immediate resignation and prosecution of all implicated government officials.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been scrambling to soothe public outrage that had been simmering for months over the massive corruption in flood control projects across an archipelago long prone to deadly flooding.
Eight members of the country's Department of Public Works and Highways were arrested just days ago, with the government promising "big fish are coming soon."
‘Put Them in Jail!'
Roman Catholic churches across the country helped lead Sunday's anti-corruption protests in their districts, with the main daylong rally being held at a pro-democracy "people power" monument along EDSA highway in the capital region.
A security force of some 17,000 police officers was deployed for crowd control in Manila during the protest. According to the police, some 5,000 protesters who were mostly wearing white joined the demonstrations.
Demonstrators in the capital's Luneta Park, a short distance from the presidential palace, were seen holding crocodile-shaped signs calling for an end to systemic corruption.
"There are people who died because of the corruption that is happening," 20-year-old drag performer Jessie Wanaluvmi J told AFP news agency before her scheduled performance.
The Philippines has a long history of scandals involving public funds, and since July, when the issue of the scandal was first raised by Marcos, at least seven public works officers have been jailed for illegal use of public funds and other graft charges in one flood control project anomaly alone.
Editor’s Choice: Philippines: Mass Protest in Manila Over Corruption Scandal
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Safe, Clean, Sustainable: Is ASEAN's New Declaration Enough?
13 hari lalu
The new ASEAN Declaration on Safe, Clean, Healthy, & Sustainable Environment is a critical 1st step that compels member states to move beyond rhetoric
Philippines: Mass Protest in Manila Over Corruption Scandal
13 hari lalu
Public anger over the flood-control corruption scandal has been mounting in the Philippines.
Typhoon Fung-wong Kills 25 in the Philippines, Displaces 1.4 Million
18 hari lalu
Typhoon Fung-wong has killed at least 25 people in the Philippines. Now, it is set to hit Taiwan and China
Typhoon Kalmaegi, Fung-wong Kill 250 in Philippines
18 hari lalu
The death toll from two consecutive severe typhoons in the Philippines has risen to 250 over the past week.
Philippines: Over a Million Evacuate Ahead of Super Typhoon
20 hari lalu
The Philippines braced for Fung-wong, set to be its biggest storm this year, just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi devastated the country.
Vietnam Braces for Deadly Typhoon Kalmaegi After 140 Killed in the Philippines
24 hari lalu
Meteorologists at the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) report that Kalmaegi has strengthened as it nears Vietnam's central coast.
Philippines Declares Emergency as Typhoon Kalmaegi Death Toll Soars
24 hari lalu
Typhoon Kalmaegi is heading towards Vietnam after floods and high winds caused dozens of deaths in central Philippines.
Typhoon Kalmaegi Death Toll Climbs Past 90 in Philippines
24 hari lalu
Typhoon Kalmaegi is heading towards Vietnam after floods and high winds caused dozens of deaths in the central Philippines.
Typhoon Kalmaegi Kills 66, Leaves 26 Missing in Central Philippines
24 hari lalu
At least 66 people were killed and 26 missing after Typhoon Kalmaegi hit central Philippines, ABS-CBN reported.
Thousands of Indonesians in Philippines Control Online Gambling Rings Coordinated from Cambodia, Says Official
26 hari lalu
Coordinating Minister Yusril revealed that thousands of Indonesian citizens in the Philippines are involved in controlling online gambling operations.
