On September 21, 2025, tens of thousands of Filipinos took to the streets of Manila and other cities to protest a massive corruption scandal involving flood control projects. The demonstrations, organized under the banner of the “Trillion Peso March,” were sparked by revelations that billions of pesos allocated for flood control initiatives had been misappropriated.
Corruption Allegations Spark Public Outrage
The protests were ignited by allegations that lawmakers, officials, and construction firms had siphoned off substantial funds from flood control projects. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed in his State of the Nation Address that most of the 9,855 flood control projects were riddled with anomalies, leading to the misappropriation of over ₱13 billion in 2023 alone, according to Greenpeace. The scandal has prompted widespread public outrage and calls for accountability.
Church and Civil Society Join Forces
The Catholic Church played a significant role in mobilizing the protests. Cardinal Jose Advincula, the Archbishop of Manila, appealed for peaceful demonstrations and encouraged church members to participate. The Church’s involvement underscores the deep-seated frustration with government corruption and the desire for accountability.
Clashes and Arrests Near Presidential Palace
While many protests remained peaceful, clashes erupted near the presidential palace. Protesters threw rocks and bottles at police officers, leading to the arrest of 49 individuals. Approximately 70 police officers were injured in the skirmishes. The unrest prompted authorities to deploy additional security forces to maintain order.
Political Fallout and Government Response
The scandal has led to significant political repercussions. Senate President Francis Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez resigned from their positions, citing the need for impartial investigations into the corruption allegations. President Marcos Jr. has expressed solidarity with the protesters, vowing thorough investigations without shielding any high-ranking officials. He has also appointed former Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes to lead an independent commission to probe the flood control projects.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
The September 21 protests are part of a broader movement demanding transparency and accountability in government spending. Organizers have called for the recovery of misused funds, the prosecution of those responsible for the corruption, and the implementation of stronger anti-corruption measures. The demonstrations reflect a growing public demand for reforms and a commitment to upholding democratic principles.
As the situation develops, the Philippine government faces mounting pressure to address the allegations and restore public trust. The outcome of the ongoing investigations and the government’s response to the protests will have significant implications for the country’s political landscape.
