Hundreds of thousands rally in the Philippines over flood-control corruption scandal

Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos massed at Manila's Quirino Grandstand on Sunday, launching a three-day rally to demand accountability from senior officials implicated in a massive corruption scandal surrounding flood-control projects.

The gathering, titled the 'Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy,' was spearheaded by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) and channeled widespread public fury over the alleged mismanagement of billions of pesos intended for climate-related disaster protection. Organizers estimated that more than 600,000 people attended the first day, making it one of the largest peaceful mobilizations in recent memory.

The scandal has provoked deep public anger, coming from a community weary of repeated natural disasters. The misuse of funds meant for flood defenses feels like a profound betrayal after recent typhoons claimed over 250 lives.

Despite heat and intermittent rain, participants remained determined to voice their grievances.

Public attention intensified after testimonies surfaced in Senate and commission investigations alleging that certain lawmakers and Department of Public Works and Highways personnel received kickbacks from construction firms. Most of the individuals named have denied the accusations.

Former congressman Zaldy Co further alleged that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accepted P25 billion in illicit payments linked to the 2025 national budget. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro dismissed the claims as 'a lie, propaganda', while Marcos said he did not 'want to even dignify' the accusation.

Financial markets reacted sharply, with the peso sinking to record lows and local shares performing among the worst globally. The Catholic Church meanwhile cautioned against weaponising the allegations, warning that such claims, especially released at sensitive times, could be used to influence political developments.

Security measures in the capital were intensified, with the presidential palace sealed off and major roads blocked by police, shipping containers, and barbed wire. National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. instructed forces to maintain “maximum tolerance,” with 16,000 police officers deployed across Metro Manila.

Iglesia ni Cristo emphasised that the rallies were peaceful and not intended to destabilise or unseat the government. The religious group, known for its bloc-voting power, supported both Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2022 elections, though their alliance has since fractured.

Earlier this year, INC also staged a separate mass rally opposing the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Duterte. Despite drawing large crowds, church leaders maintained that their primary call is for transparency and due process, distancing themselves from political power struggles. Analysts noted that INC’s ability to mobilise significant numbers reflects both its enduring influence and the depth of public concern over corruption.

Under growing pressure, President Marcos announced that 37 individuals now face criminal charges—including graft, corruption, and plunder—based on the findings of an independent commission. Proceedings have also been initiated against 86 construction executives and nine officials accused of evading nearly P9 billion in taxes. Authorities vowed to recover misappropriated funds, uphold accountability, and implement safeguards to prevent future abuses.

Among those implicated are both allies and critics of the administration: former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, ex-Senate President Chiz Escudero, and Senator Bong Go—all of whom deny any involvement. Vice President Duterte argued that Marcos should be held accountable for approving the 2025 budget with large allocations for flood-management projects. The controversy has deepened political tensions, prompting calls for more extensive investigations while others warn against exploiting corruption cases for partisan advantage.

Some groups aligned with former President Rodrigo Duterte issued scattered appeals urging the military to withdraw its support for Marcos. Armed Forces Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., however, reiterated the institution’s loyalty to constitutional order, declaring: 'With full conviction, I assure the public that the Armed Forces will not engage in any action that violates the Constitution— not today, not tomorrow, and certainly not under my watch.'