Tens of Thousands Rally in Manila Over Flood-Control Corruption Scandal.
Thousands of protesters gathered Sunday in Manila for the start of a three-day rally organized by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ), demanding accountability over a flood-control corruption scandal implicating senior lawmakers and top government officials.
Authorities estimate 27,000 members of the religious group assembled at Rizal Park by noon, many dressed in white and carrying anti-corruption placards. Later, other groups planned demonstrations at the “People Power” monument in Quezon City. Iglesia Ni Cristo, known for bloc voting, is politically influential in the Philippines.
The scandal erupted after investigations revealed that thousands of flood-defense projects were either poorly constructed or never built, with construction firms allegedly giving politicians large kickbacks to secure contracts. Flood control is especially sensitive in the typhoon-prone country, where two recent storms killed at least 259 people this month.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said many implicated officials and business figures could face jail by Christmas. A fact-finding commission has filed criminal complaints against 37 individuals for graft and plunder, and against 86 construction company executives and nine government officials for evading nearly 9 billion pesos ($152 million) in taxes. Among the accused are lawmakers both allied with and opposed to Marcos, including former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Senate President Chiz Escudero. Senator Bong Go, an ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has denied any wrongdoing.
Police, backed by the military, have deployed thousands to secure the weekend rallies, with National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. urging officers to exercise “maximum tolerance.” Armed Forces Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. reaffirmed that the military will uphold the Constitution, protect democratic institutions, and support lawful civic expression.
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