Thousands of Filipinos poured into the streets of Manila on Sunday, demanding accountability over a massive corruption scandal tied to flood-control projects worth billions of pesos. Allegations surfaced that lawmakers, officials, and businesspeople pocketed huge kickbacks while poverty-stricken communities continued to suffer from deadly floods.
Public anger intensified when a wealthy contractor couple flaunted their fleet of luxury cars—including a British model worth ₱42 million ($737,000)—claiming they bought it because it came with a “free umbrella.”
Student activist Althea Trinidad voiced the frustration of many: “We wallow in poverty and lose our homes, our lives, and our future while they rake in fortunes from our taxes.”
Police fired tear gas and arrested 17 masked individuals after some set tires ablaze and hurled rocks at riot police. Authorities insist the situation is “contained” but warned protesters against violence.
Source: AP News
