Thousands Rally in Manila Over Corruption Scandal Involving Top Philippine Officials
Religious group organizes three-day rally to demand accountability in flood-control corruption scandal.
Tens of thousands gathered in Manila on Sunday for the start of a three-day rally organized by the influential religious group, Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), to call for accountability over a corruption scandal involving flood control projects.
The protest marks growing public outrage over widespread accusations of corruption within the country's flood-control programs, especially concerning the use of substandard materials and missing infrastructure projects.
The Philippine archipelago is among the world's most typhoon-prone regions, making effective flood control a critical issue.
According to police estimates, approximately 27,000 INC members convened at Rizal Park in Manila before noon, dressed in white and holding anti-corruption placards.
Additional protests were planned for later on Sunday at the 'People Power' monument in Quezon City.
The INC bloc is known for its influential voting power during elections.
Security measures were tightened for the rally, with thousands of police and military personnel deployed to maintain order.
Despite tensions, authorities have maintained a stance of maximum tolerance toward the demonstrations.
The scandal's exposure has gained momentum following revelations that numerous flood defense projects across the Philippines utilized substandard materials or did not exist at all.
It is alleged that construction firms provided kickbacks to influential politicians and officials in exchange for lucrative contracts, allowing them to circumvent accountability for discrepancies within the projects.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose administration faces mounting pressure over this issue, has sought to quell public unrest.
He suggested recently that some of those implicated could face imprisonment by Christmas as an independent fact-finding commission established by him files criminal complaints against 37 suspects.
These include charges of graft and corruption as well as plunder.
Additionally, tax evasion accusations totaling nearly 9 billion pesos ($152 million) have been leveled against 86 construction executives and nine government officials.
The scandal's reach extends to the Philippine Senate, with several lawmakers, including former House Speaker Martin Romualdez (a cousin of President Marcos) and former Senate President Chiz Escudero, being named as suspects.
They deny any wrongdoing.
Other high-profile figures implicated include Sen. Bong Go, a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Calls for the withdrawal of military support from the Marcos administration have been raised but remain isolated.
Military officials have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to upholding democratic principles and protecting the nation's stability.
The protest marks growing public outrage over widespread accusations of corruption within the country's flood-control programs, especially concerning the use of substandard materials and missing infrastructure projects.
The Philippine archipelago is among the world's most typhoon-prone regions, making effective flood control a critical issue.
According to police estimates, approximately 27,000 INC members convened at Rizal Park in Manila before noon, dressed in white and holding anti-corruption placards.
Additional protests were planned for later on Sunday at the 'People Power' monument in Quezon City.
The INC bloc is known for its influential voting power during elections.
Security measures were tightened for the rally, with thousands of police and military personnel deployed to maintain order.
Despite tensions, authorities have maintained a stance of maximum tolerance toward the demonstrations.
The scandal's exposure has gained momentum following revelations that numerous flood defense projects across the Philippines utilized substandard materials or did not exist at all.
It is alleged that construction firms provided kickbacks to influential politicians and officials in exchange for lucrative contracts, allowing them to circumvent accountability for discrepancies within the projects.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose administration faces mounting pressure over this issue, has sought to quell public unrest.
He suggested recently that some of those implicated could face imprisonment by Christmas as an independent fact-finding commission established by him files criminal complaints against 37 suspects.
These include charges of graft and corruption as well as plunder.
Additionally, tax evasion accusations totaling nearly 9 billion pesos ($152 million) have been leveled against 86 construction executives and nine government officials.
The scandal's reach extends to the Philippine Senate, with several lawmakers, including former House Speaker Martin Romualdez (a cousin of President Marcos) and former Senate President Chiz Escudero, being named as suspects.
They deny any wrongdoing.
Other high-profile figures implicated include Sen. Bong Go, a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Calls for the withdrawal of military support from the Marcos administration have been raised but remain isolated.
Military officials have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to upholding democratic principles and protecting the nation's stability.
