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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Groups press for accountability over flood-control project corruption

Groups press for accountability over flood-control project corruption

Published Sep 21, 2025 04:39 pm
Thousands of protesters march towards the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on Sunday, September 21, 2025 to call on the government to prosecute corrupt government officials and contractors involved in anomalous and ghost flood control projects in the country. The mobilization follows with the earlier program “Baha sa Luneta” held in Manila City that also gathered thousands of crowd protesting against corruption. (Santi San Juan)
Thousands of protesters march towards the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on Sunday, September 21, 2025 to call on the government to prosecute corrupt government officials and contractors involved in anomalous and ghost flood control projects in the country. The mobilization follows with the earlier program “Baha sa Luneta” held in Manila City that also gathered thousands of crowd protesting against corruption. (Santi San Juan)
Cause-oriented groups staged a protest at the People Power Monument on Sunday, Sept. 21, to denounce alleged corruption in flood-control projects and demand accountability from government officials and contractors reportedly involved.
Protesters, composed of civic organizations, transport groups, students, youths, and retired military personnel, decried reports that billions of pesos intended for flood-mitigation works were either misused or funneled into “ghost projects.”
Chants calling for the resignation of top officials echoed during the rally, with participants stressing frustration over recurring floods and the lack of transparency in project implementation.
“Pagod na tayo! Pagod na pagod na tayo! Hindi makukuha sa simpleng mura! (We are tired! We are so, so tired! It won’t be solved with a curse!),” the speaker said.
“Manhid na sila! Anong sabi natin sa representative? Pag hindi niyo pinababa si Martin Romualdez, susunugin namin ang House of Representatives (They’re already numb! What do we tell the representative? If you don’t remove Martin Romualdez, we will burn the House of Representatives),” it added.
The controversy has already sparked political tremors, with House Speaker Martin Romualdez stepping down earlier this month amid mounting pressure to probe irregularities in project implementation.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2025/09/17/romualdez-resigns-as-house-speaker-dy-is-lone-nominee
Thousands of protesters march towards the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on Sunday, September 21, 2025 to call on the government to prosecute corrupt government officials and contractors involved in anomalous and ghost flood control projects in the country. The mobilization follows with the earlier program “Baha sa Luneta” held in Manila City that also gathered thousands of crowd protesting against corruption. (Santi San Juan)
Thousands of protesters march towards the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on Sunday, September 21, 2025 to call on the government to prosecute corrupt government officials and contractors involved in anomalous and ghost flood control projects in the country. The mobilization follows with the earlier program “Baha sa Luneta” held in Manila City that also gathered thousands of crowd protesting against corruption. (Santi San Juan)
Some demonstrators carried placards that read,
“Kadiri ang Korapsyon (Corruption is disgusting).”
“End Corruption Now!”
“Bring our taxes home”
“Bayan ang unahin, korapsyon ay sugpuin (“Put the nation first, stamp out corruption).”
“Make corruption shameful again!”
Demonstrators also used viral statement including;
“Sorry kung natapakan namin yung flood control projects niyo (Sorry if we stepped on/ran over your flood control projects).”
“Bakla, trana, at lesbiyana, sa kurapsyon, imbyerna (Gay, trannie, and lesbian — to corruption, go to hell).”
Protesters also called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte to resign, although Palace officials maintained that ongoing investigations will proceed under the law.
“Huwag tayong gumawa ng gulo,hindi tayo mananalo kung magulo tayo! Kung may sumisigaw rito, resign BBM may sumisigaw!
Resign Sarah, tanggapin nyo! (Let’s not cause trouble, we won’t win if we are chaotic! If someone here is shouting ‘Resign BBM,’ someone is shouting it! ‘Resign Sara, accept it!),” the speaker said.
Authorities had earlier announced a review of thousands of flood-control contracts nationwide following reports of substandard and overpriced works. Procurement records and whistleblower accounts are also being scrutinized to identify those accountable.
Organizers vowed to continue their campaign until concrete action is taken, including the prosecution of erring officials and compensation for communities repeatedly affected by flooding.
The protest was joined by thousands of Filipinos during the mass demonstration calling for accountability over alleged irregularities in flood control projects at the EDSA People Power Monument.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2025/09/21/thousands-join-anti-corruption-protest-at-edsa-people-power-monument

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