Thousands Protest in Manila Demanding Accountability for Multi-Billion Dollar Flood Control Fraud

Thousands of protesters gathered in the Philippine capital on Sunday, November 30, 2025, to demand accountability over a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure scandal, as reported by AFP. The demonstration in Manila highlighted widespread public anger regarding alleged corruption in critical flood-control projects.

The extensive scandal involves accusations of "ghost projects," substandard construction, and significant kickbacks, according to reports from ABS-CBN News. This alleged fraud has compromised the nation's flood defenses, leaving communities vulnerable to severe weather events.

Public outrage has intensified following recent typhoons, including Super Typhoon Fung-wong and Typhoon Kalmaegi, which caused extensive flooding and displacement across many towns in recent months, The Guardian reported on November 10, 2025. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) noted on November 14, 2025, that these storms displaced nearly 1.8 million people and caused widespread damage.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. first brought the issue to national attention in a July address and has since vowed to prosecute those involved, as stated by The Hindu on November 30, 2025. His administration has initiated investigations, leading to the arrest of several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials.

The Department of Interior and Local Government confirmed on November 24, 2025, the arrest of eight DPWH officials in connection with an anomalous 289-billion-peso project in Oriental Mindoro, according to AP News. These initial arrests, however, have been described by analysts as focusing on "minor players," raising questions about the extent of the inquiry.

Protesters, some carrying crocodile-shaped signs symbolizing corruption, marched towards significant landmarks like Luneta Park and EDSA, demanding justice, ABS-CBN News reported. Many expressed dissatisfaction with the arrests made so far, calling for higher-ranking officials and lawmakers to be held accountable.

The scandal has seen both allies and opponents of President Marcos Jr., including a congressman cousin, implicated in the spiraling controversy, as noted by Al Mayadeen English. The government has promised that "big fish are coming soon" as investigations continue into the multi-billion-dollar fraud.

• Historical Context of Corruption: The Philippines has a long and troubling history of corruption within its infrastructure projects, a pattern that the current flood control scandal sadly echoes. The PRIF Blog highlighted on October 15, 2025, that this is not an anomaly but a predictable expression of enduring systemic patterns, where officials and their accomplices profit from public funds. Previous administrations have also faced similar allegations, indicating a persistent challenge in governance.

• Key Stakeholders and Allegations: The scandal implicates a wide array of stakeholders, including officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), various lawmakers, and private contractors. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee launched an investigation in August 2025 into alleged irregularities, including "ghost" projects where funds were allocated but no work was done. Former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and executives from Sunwest Corp. are among those for whom arrest warrants have been issued, jurist.org reported on November 22, 2025.

• Economic and Social Implications: The economic toll of the corruption is immense, with the Department of Finance estimating that flood control fraud alone cost the economy ₱118.5 billion (approximately $2 billion USD) from 2023 to 2025, according to inquirer Opinion on October 21, 2025. Beyond financial losses, the human cost is significant, as substandard or non-existent flood defenses have led to increased fatalities and displacement during typhoons, as highlighted by The Diplomat on November 21, 2025.

• Timeline of Key Developments: President Marcos Jr. first raised alarms about flood control anomalies in his July 2025 State of the Nation Address. This was followed by a Commission on Audit (COA) directive in September 2025 for a performance audit of flood control projects. By September 26, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) recommended case build-up for 21 individuals, including legislators, over alleged anomalies. Arrests of DPWH officials began in late November 2025.

• Impact on Vulnerable Communities: The failure of flood control projects has disproportionately affected vulnerable communities, particularly in provinces like Bulacan and Oriental Mindoro, which are highly susceptible to typhoons and flooding. Residents face repeated displacement and loss of livelihoods, with the IOM noting on November 14, 2025, that communities need stronger investment in resilient infrastructure. The corruption effectively steals resilience from millions of Filipinos, as stated by Greenpeace campaigner Jefferson Chua.

• Government Actions and Challenges: President Marcos Jr. has ordered a review of flood mitigation programs and questioned the concentration of projects among a few contractors, as reported by WION on November 19, 2025. Despite the President's strong stance and the recent arrests, critics, including Mervin Toquero of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, remain skeptical, arguing that higher officials must also be held accountable. The challenge lies in prosecuting "big fish" in a system where high-ranking politicians have historically evaded serious jail time.

• Potential Future Developments: The investigation is ongoing, with President Marcos Jr. vowing to recover "every peso" linked to the alleged kickback network, Asian Journal News reported on November 28, 2025. Former DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara has already returned ₱110 million and committed to returning more, seeking provisional coverage under the Witness Protection Program. Further arrests and legal actions are anticipated as the multi-agency probe expands across several provinces.