Amid ‘Ghost’ Flood Control Projects, Filipinos Demand Justice

Thousands of people gathered on Sunday (Sept. 21, 2025) at the iconic EDSA Shrine, a popular symbol of the 1986 People Power Revolution, during a protest rally against government corruption at the corner of Ortigas Ave. and EDSA in Quezon City.

Amid ‘Ghost’ Flood Control Projects, Filipinos Demand Justice

By Bing Jabadan – TheNationWeek.Com | September 22, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – Fury has erupted across the country as allegations of massive corruption involving billions of pesos allocated for flood control projects spark widespread protests and calls for government accountability.

Tens of thousands took to the streets on Sunday (Sept. 21, 2025), demanding justice and the imprisonment of officials implicated in the alleged “ghost flood control projects,” a scandal that threatens to further implicate prominent government figures.

The protests, which coincided with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, were triggered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s admission in July that a staggering majority of the 9,855 flood-control projects, valued at over ₱1.3 trillion, were riddled with anomalies.

The revelation, coupled with reports of lavish lifestyles enjoyed by individuals allegedly connected to fraudulent contracts, has ignited public outrage.

The Face of Corruption: Kickbacks, Luxury Cars

The scandal centers on accusations of inflated project costs, non-existent infrastructure, and alleged kickbacks funneled to lawmakers and government officials.

Public anger has been particularly focused on reports that a wealthy couple, Sarah and Pacifico Discaya, who operated several construction companies, secured lucrative contracts while flaunting their collection of luxury vehicles.

Calls for Accountability Reach Prominent Figures

Protesters demanded that corrupt government officials, politicians, and contractors be imprisoned.

The names of several prominent figures have been invoked, including former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Ako Bicol Party List Rep. Zaldy Co, and former Department of Public Works and Highways Bulacan district engineers Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez.

Adding fuel to the fire, Hernandez reportedly surrendered a GMC SUV worth about ₱12 million ($210,000) to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Friday (Sept. 19, 2025) and is expected to turn over a Ferrari and a Lamborghini.

Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva have been implicated by some protesters, following allegations that the two received kickbacks from fraudulent flood control projects.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, serving as a special advisor to the ICI, said Hernandez’s revelations “are very relevant” and that he “is cooperating with us to further identify the different people involved.”

“This is a good lead for the investigation,” he declared.

Diverse Groups Unite, Demand Systemic Change

The protests drew participants from across the political spectrum, united in their condemnation of corruption and demand for systemic change.

While some carried signs calling for Marcos’ resignation, most focused on demanding accountability for the corruption, wary of Vice President Sara Duterte assuming the presidency.

Student activists called for a fundamental change in the system of government to improve ordinary Filipinos’ lives.

Protests Escalate, Marcos Responds

While generally peaceful, scattered clashes erupted between protesters and policemen in Manila, resulting in dozens of arrests and injuries.

The Philippine National Police estimated that over 100,000 people participated in the nationwide Sunday protests.

President Marcos Jr. acknowledged the public’s anger and stated that he did not blame people for protesting.

He called for peaceful demonstrations and announced that the military was on “red alert” as a precaution.

He also established the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to investigate the alleged anomalies.

Nation Demands Justice

The flood control scandal has exposed deep-seated corruption within the Philippine government, sparking a national crisis of confidence.

The protests serve as a powerful reminder of the public’s demand for accountability and transparency.

As the investigation unfolds, the nation watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will deliver justice and restore faith in the government.