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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Nationwide protests erupt over trillion-peso flood control anomalies

Nationwide protests erupt over trillion-peso flood control anomalies

Published Sep 21, 2025 04:41 pm
Protesters trooped to Edsa People Power Monument in Quezon City on Sunday, Sept. 21. (Santi San Juan)
Protesters trooped to Edsa People Power Monument in Quezon City on Sunday, Sept. 21. (Santi San Juan)

Thousands trooped to the EDSA People Power Monument on Sunday, Sept. 21, in protest against the multi-trillion-peso flood control scandal, which organizers described as one of the biggest corruption controversies in recent years.

According to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), the crowd was estimated at around 700 by 10:00 a.m., but swelled to about 15,000 by 3:20 p.m. as more groups joined the demonstrations. 

Protesters marched to the People Power Monument from Edsa Shrine and Greenhills. 

Organizers said the mobilization is only the start of escalating actions that will culminate in the “Trillion Peso March.” 

“Malapit nang sagarang kumulo ang galit ng mamamayan. (The people’s anger is nearing boiling point),” Rep. Perci Cendana said.

“This is also a strong reminder to the administration of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. that if he fails to hold everyone accountable for this scandal, including his closest allies, then he should not be surprised if the people’s full anger shifts against him”, he added. 

Akbayan Representative Attorney Chel Diokno underscored the power of people’s action. 

“Tanging puwersa ng taumbayan ang susi para mapanagot natin ang mga buwaya na nagpipiyesta sa kaban ng bayan para sa kanilang mga luho (Only the people's power is the key to holding accountable the crocodiles who feast on the public treasury for their luxuries)," he said.

“We must ensure that this betrayal of trust by corrupt officials and their cohorts are punished to the fullest extent of the law and that the billions of pesos they have stolen are fully recovered and returned to the people”, he added. 

Representative Dadah Kiram Ismulah also called for broader accountability. 

“Lahat ng mga infrastructure scams ay dapat imbestigahan. Hindi lang sa Luzon, pati na rin sa Mindanao,” she said.

“This is important, especially with reports that the Dutertes bagged a whopping P51 billion for infrastructure projects in a single district alone in Davao City,” she added. 

Meanwhile, Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO) chief Peachy Asper said in a Zoom briefing that more than 20 protesters were catered to due to minor incidents such as dizziness, heat exhaustion, and high blood pressure.

Simultaneous protest actions were also held in Cebu, Tagbiliran, Dumaguete, Oroquieta, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga. Youth Against Kurakot (YAK), a coalition of student councils and community youth, organized its own mobilizations in Baguio, Daet, Bacolod, Borongan, Marawi, and other cities.

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