MANILA, Philippines — On Sunday, September 21, 2025, massive anti-corruption protests erupted in Manila as thousands of Filipinos took to the streets to denounce what they called one of the largest graft scandals in recent memory. The protests were fueled by revelations of widespread corruption involving lawmakers, government officials, and business figures accused of pocketing massive kickbacks from flood-control projects worth over 545 billion pesos (approx. £7.1 billion), critically undermining efforts to protect the country’s storm-prone and impoverished communities.
The demonstrations drew a crowd estimated by organizers at around 130,000 nationwide, with roughly 8,000 people gathering in Manila’s historic Rizal Park and along major thoroughfares like the EDSA highway. Protesters waved Philippine flags and held banners emblazoned with slogans such as “No more, too much, jail them,” reflecting widespread public anger and demands for accountability. Student activist Althea Trinidad, speaking to The Associated Press, voiced the sentiment of many participants: “It pains me that we suffer in poverty and lose our homes, our lives, and our futures while they accumulate wealth from our taxes, which fund their luxury vehicles, overseas trips, and larger corporate deals”.
Despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call earlier in September for public outrage to remain peaceful, the protests turned violent in some areas. Police and military units were deployed extensively to maintain order, with nearly 8,000 officers securing multiple sites. Clashes broke out near the presidential palace and key intersections such as Ayala and Romualdez streets, where angry demonstrators set a trailer truck ablaze and hurled stones, prompting arrests of at least 49 people suspected of attacking police officers.
Authorities urged calm and restraint, emphasizing the right to peaceful assembly. Philippine National Police stated, “We respect the public’s right to peaceful assembly, but we strongly appeal to everyone to remain calm and refrain from violence. Such actions endanger lives and undermine the message of those who wish to protest peacefully.” President Marcos ordered police to exercise “maximum tolerance,” emphasizing no person should be harmed while declaring, “We will protect citizens peaceably assembling to redress their grievance, but we will not tolerate instability and violence”.
The scandal involves allegations that many flood-control projects, meant to shield vulnerable communities from typhoons and monsoonal floods, were either substandard, never constructed, or tainted by corrupt contracts. A wealthy couple running several construction firms publicly testified they were coerced into paying kickbacks allegedly amounting to 25 percent of contract values, implicating multiple congressional allies of the administration.
The broader impact of the scandal is significant. The Philippines, one of Asia’s most typhoon-prone countries, relies heavily on flood-control infrastructure to protect millions living in poverty. The failure and corruption in these projects exacerbate risks of displacement, loss of life, and economic hardship during intense weather events, which have worsened with climate change.
Eyewitnesses recount chaotic scenes during violent moments, describing the desperation and frustration that boiled over among protesters facing police barricades. The social media livestreams and local news footage show clashes reminiscent of recent protests in neighboring South Asian countries, underscoring a regional wave of youth-led activism demanding clean governance and systemic reform.
Looking ahead, President Marcos has vowed to pursue an independent inquiry led by a former Supreme Court justice to investigate the full extent of the corruption scandal. The government faces growing pressure from civil society, religious leaders, and business figures to enact stronger anti-corruption measures and rebuild public trust.
The Philippine government has urged protesters to continue expressing their grievances through peaceful means. With additional protests planned and the commission’s investigation underway, the nation stands at a critical juncture in addressing corruption’s deep roots. For now, Manila remains tense, with curfews imposed on minors and heightened police vigilance as the country grapples with demands for justice and accountability.
In summary, the Philippines’ anti-corruption protests expose a systemic crisis affecting national safety infrastructure and governance. Whether the current political will can translate into effective reforms remains to be seen, but the public’s voice is clear: corruption must be confronted for the sake of the country’s future.
This article combines verified protest details, contextual background on the flood-control corruption scandal, testimonies from activists and officials, and reports on the violent clashes and government responses. The evolving story calls for close follow-up on the investigation outcome and social stability in the Philippines.
