Filipinos Protest Over Flood Control Scandal, Demand Accountability

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Manila on September 21, 2025, in a dramatic display of public outrage over a sprawling corruption scandal involving government-funded flood control projects. The protests, which erupted outside Malacañang Palace, were sparked by mounting evidence of irregularities, "ghost" infrastructure, and alleged favoritism in the awarding of contracts, all of which have cost Filipino taxpayers billions of pesos. The unrest follows weeks of deadly flooding in Metro Manila and Central Luzon, which many citizens blame on the failure of these projects to deliver promised protections.

Mounting Allegations and Official Investigations

The controversy, sometimes referred to as "Floodgate," centers on billions of pesos allocated for flood management initiatives under President Bongbong Marcos' administration. According to the Commission on Audit (COA), a significant portion of the ₱545.6 billion (US$11.08 billion) flood mitigation budget from July 2022 to May 2025 was awarded to just 15 contractors, raising concerns about competition and transparency. The COA has identified four projects in Bulacan worth ₱389.6 million (US$7.91 million) as particularly problematic, submitting fraud audit reports to the Office of the Ombudsman. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has also launched a high-profile investigation, with officials acknowledging the existence of "ghost" projects and substandard construction, especially in Bulacan and Metro Manila.

Public Outcry and Political Fallout

The protests in Manila saw clashes between demonstrators and police, resulting in dozens of injuries and more than 70 arrests. Protesters, angered by revelations of "ghost infrastructure" and the alleged cornering of contracts by a small group of favored builders, demanded the prosecution of those responsible and greater transparency in public works spending. The scandal has also drawn in local officials, with mayors in Manila and Quezon City flagging hundreds of projects for lacking permits or proper documentation. In response, President Marcos has ordered the release of a comprehensive list of flood control projects for public scrutiny and launched the "Sumbong sa Pangulo" website, which has received thousands of citizen complaints in its first month.

Calls for Reform and Next Steps

The fallout from the scandal has prompted calls for sweeping reforms in the procurement and oversight of public infrastructure projects. Lawmakers have urged the sacking of implicated Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, while the Commission on Elections is investigating contractors who may have violated campaign finance laws. The League of Cities of the Philippines and over 70 mayors have signed on to a "Mayors for Good Governance" initiative, supporting efforts to root out corruption. As investigations continue, both the Senate and the executive branch have pledged to pursue criminal charges against those found guilty, with the aim of restoring public trust and ensuring that future flood control projects genuinely serve the needs of vulnerable communities.