Thousands Rally in Manila Against Flood-Control Corruption Scandal.
Thousands of people gathered Sunday in Manila to kick off a three-day rally organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ), demanding accountability over a flood-control corruption scandal implicating powerful members of Congress and top government officials.
The protests follow revelations that thousands of flood defense projects across the Philippines were built with substandard materials—or never existed—while construction companies allegedly funneled massive kickbacks to politicians to secure lucrative contracts and avoid scrutiny.
Police estimated 27,000 Iglesia Ni Cristo members assembled at Rizal Park by noon, many dressed in white and carrying anti-corruption placards. Later Sunday, other groups planned separate demonstrations at the “People Power” monument in suburban Quezon City. The religious group, known for voting as a bloc, is highly influential in Philippine politics.
Authorities deployed thousands of police and military personnel to secure the rallies. National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. instructed officers to exercise “maximum tolerance,” even as the government recalled a violent Sept. 21 protest where several hundred black-clad demonstrators clashed with police, injuring more than 100 officers.
Flood control is particularly sensitive in the typhoon-prone country. Two recent storms killed at least 259 people this month, mostly from flash floods and landslides, displacing millions.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has sought to calm public anger, promising that many implicated officials and business figures would face jail time by Christmas. A fact-finding commission has filed criminal complaints against 37 suspects for graft and plunder, as well as against 86 construction company executives and nine government officials for allegedly evading nearly 9 billion pesos ($152 million) in taxes.
Among those accused are lawmakers both allied with and opposed to Marcos, including former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the president’s cousin, and former Senate President Chiz Escudero. Both deny wrongdoing. Senator Bong Go, an ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has also denied involvement in the scandal.
Calls from some Duterte supporters urging the military to withdraw support from Marcos have been rejected. Armed Forces Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. assured the public that the military will continue to uphold the Constitution, safeguard democratic institutions, and support lawful civic expression.
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