In recent weeks, thousands of citizens (Gen Z) across the Philippines have taken to the streets in protest. Their anger is directed at alleged large-scale corruption in government flood-control and infrastructure projects — projects meant to protect communities from typhoons and flooding, but which now seem riddled with “ghost” contracts and phantom works.
At the centre: the administration of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. — who himself has acknowledged protesters’ anger, saying: “If I weren’t president, I might be out in the streets with them.”
Why This Matters
1. Broken promises in disaster-prone country
The Philippines faces over 20 tropical cyclones a year, making flood-control and mitigation essential. When funds meant for such infrastructure disappear or get diverted, the cost isn’t just financial — it’s human lives, homes, livelihoods.
2. Corruption + inequality = public fury
Reports suggest billions lost, with estimates of up to 70% of certain flood-control budgets allegedly misused. At the same time, ordinary Filipinos face rising costs, limited opportunities — it adds fuel to the rage.
3. Legacy of past abuses re-awakening
The Marcos name carries historic baggage in the Philippines — the dictatorship era of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. looms large. For many protesters, this moment isn’t just about current corruption but about unhealed wounds, unresolved injustices, and fears of a slide toward impunity.
What the Protests Look Like
On 21 September 2025, large rallies erupted in Manila and other cities, marking the anniversary of martial law in 1972 (which Marcos Sr. declared) and tying the present moment to a longer history.
Crowds include students, church groups, labour organisations, everyday citizens chanting for accountability, not merely expressions of frustration.
The call is for: money recovered, officials held accountable, projects delivered properly, and governance to reflect the public good.
The Government’s Response
President Marcos has said he supports peaceful protests and sees the anger as justified.
He has also announced the creation of an independent commission to probe the scandal, emphasising that “no sacred cows” will be spared.
However, authorities have also warned against those who might exploit the unrest to destabilize the government.
What Might Happen Next
Deeper investigations & possible prosecutions: If the commissions are serious and beyond mere window‐dressing, we may see legislators, contractors, and bureaucrats being indicted or forced out.
Tightening public scrutiny: With protests gaining more attention, media and civil society will likely watch every move of the government more closely.
Political ripple effects: The Marcos-era legacy looms, and this moment could become a turning point — either in strengthening accountability or in sealing popular disillusionment if nothing changes.
Risk of escalation: Though protests have been largely peaceful so far, if frustrations grow without redress, the next phase could be more confrontational.
Why This Should Matter to You
Even if you’re outside the Philippines — like in Pakistan or elsewhere — this story carries universal lessons:
When public infrastructure fails not because of nature, but because of corruption, trust in government erodes.
The combination of disaster vulnerability + bad governance is a potent spark for social unrest.
Names and legacies matter: history doesn’t fade quickly when wounds are deep.
Real accountability demands more than investigations: it requires transparency, meaningful change and public participation.
Final Thoughts
The protests in the Philippines are not just about one scandal or one leader. They reflect a larger demand: for fairness in public life, for justice when things go wrong, and for governance that works for all, especially the vulnerable. How the government responds now could define the country’s direction for years to come.
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