Thousands Rally in Manila Against Corruption Scandal; 8,000 Protesters Gather

UPDATE: Thousands of protesters have flooded the streets of Manila today, October 8, 2023, demanding justice and accountability in a massive corruption scandal implicating lawmakers, officials, and businesspeople. As many as 8,000 demonstrators gathered in protest against alleged kickbacks linked to flood-control projects in the Philippines, intensifying public outrage over government misconduct.

Authorities have responded with heightened security measures, deploying thousands of police officers to maintain order and prevent violence as protests unfolded in key locations, including a historic park and near a prominent democracy monument along the EDSA highway. The U.S. and Australian embassies have issued travel advisories, urging their citizens to avoid the protests for safety reasons.

Amid the chants and banners—one reading, “No more, too much, jail them”—protesters expressed their collective anger over the corruption that has diverted funds meant for crucial public services. “I feel bad that we wallow in poverty… while they rake in a big fortune from our taxes,” said student activist Althea Trinidad, who joined the demonstrators with hopes of changing the system that perpetuates such abuses.

The corruption scandal was brought to light by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his state of the nation address in July. He revealed that an independent commission was launched to probe anomalies in 9,855 flood-control projects, valued at over 545 billion pesos ($9.5 billion), which have been marred by allegations of substandard work and fraud since he took office in mid-2022. Marcos characterized the extent of the corruption as “horrible” and has accepted the resignation of his public works secretary in response.

The public’s anger intensified following media revelations about a wealthy couple, Sarah and Pacifico Discaya, who showcased their lavish lifestyle, including a fleet of luxury cars, during interviews. Their testimony during a Senate inquiry implicated multiple legislators and public works officials in a scheme requiring substantial kickbacks for securing contracts.

In a separate House inquiry, a former government engineer further implicated Senate President Francis Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, leading to their resignation amid growing scrutiny. As the fallout continues, at least three government engineers have already been dismissed, with 15 others facing investigations. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed that criminal complaints had been filed against those involved, with their assets set to be frozen.

The protests aim to shed light on a system perceived as enabling large-scale corruption, with organizers asserting that their goal is not to destabilize but to strengthen democracy. “We want accountability,” said Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, who called for peaceful demonstrations.

As anger simmers in the streets of Manila, the nation watches closely. What happens next will be crucial in determining the future of governance in the Philippines. Will these protests lead to meaningful change, or will they be met with the same systemic issues that sparked this outcry? Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.