Manila erupted as thousands of protesters flooded key avenues, rallying against a corruption scandal that has implicated lawmakers, officials and businesspeople in siphoning off billions of pesos from flood-control projects. Demonstrators argue that misappropriated funds left communities dangerously exposed during recent floods.
What began as a planned march toward the presidential palace turned confrontational when police blocked main roads. Protesters clashed with officers, throwing stones and setting tires ablaze, while law enforcement responded with barricades and water cannons to disperse the crowds.
Organizers estimate that over 5,000 citizens—from students and urban professionals to rural workers—joined the demonstration, waving banners demanding accountability and chanting anti-graft slogans. Many cited stalled flood-control works and broken levees as symbols of wasted public money.
On social media, the hashtag #CleanUpPH surged in popularity, with local netizens sharing infographics and photos of empty construction sites tied to the scandal. Data shows more than 100,000 interactions across major platforms within hours.
The Philippine protests mirror a global trend in several G20 nations, where digitally savvy youth are blending street action with online campaigns to hold power holders to account. From Seoul to Sao Paulo, young changemakers are reshaping political debates with fresh energy.
As pressure mounts, authorities face calls for swift investigations and stronger transparency measures. The fallout from this scandal could set a new benchmark for how major infrastructure projects are managed—impacting not just the Philippines but resonating with reform movements worldwide.
Reference(s):
Clashes erupt as thousands protest corruption scandal in the Philippines
cgtn.com
