Philippines Erupts: Thousands Protest as Corruption Scandal Deepens, High-Ranking Officials Resign

MANILA, Philippines – Thousands of Filipinos took to the streets of the capital on Sunday, September 21, 2025, to express widespread outrage over a deepening corruption scandal that has already led to the resignations of top legislative leaders.

Protesters marched in Manila, demanding accountability for lawmakers, government officials, and businesspeople allegedly involved in pocketing billions in kickbacks from vital flood-control projects. The demonstrations, secured by a heavy police presence, saw citizens carrying signs and waving Philippine flags, with many calling for the immediate prosecution of those implicated.

The scandal, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. first highlighted in July, involves anomalies in over 9,800 flood-control projects valued at more than 545 billion pesos ($9.5 billion). Public fury intensified following revelations about a wealthy couple, owners of construction companies linked to the projects, who flaunted their luxury car collection and later testified, implicating at least 17 House of Representatives legislators and public works officials.

In a significant fallout, Senate President Francis Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez have both stepped down, as the scandal continues to ensnare high-ranking officials. Additionally, three government engineers have been dismissed, with 15 others under investigation, facing potential criminal charges and asset freezes.

While organizers emphasized that the protests aimed to strengthen democracy by demanding accountability rather than calling for President Marcos Jr.’s resignation, the widespread public discontent underscores a national demand for systemic change. The United States and Australian embassies issued travel advisories, urging citizens to avoid the protest areas as a precaution.

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