Luneta protesters seek full accountability in flood control probe

Metro Manila, Philippines - A huge wave of protesters flooded the streets of Luneta in the City of Manila on Sunday, Sept. 21, to call out alleged anomalies in the government’s flood control projects.

Women, LGBTQ+, youth, and anti-corruption activists led the action with the message: Lahat ng Sangkot, Dapat Managot (Everyone involved should be held accountable).

Some Filipinos who also attended a rally for the first time expressed their rage against the flood control mess, which some consider as one of the biggest corruption scandals after the pork barrel scam.

A number of lawmakers and celebrities are also expected to join the action.

In his speech, TAMA NA (Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance Network) convenor David San Juan said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte should both step down from their post over the ongoing scandal.

“Alam na natin ang ginagawa ng mga dawit sa korapsyon kaya tama na sobra na,” he said.

[Translation: We all know what those involved in the corruption are doing so let’s stop this now. It’s too much.]

A Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism report said Marcos and Duterte received tens of millions of pesos in campaign contributions from public contractors.

Protesters also called out contractors whose wealth grew due to alleged deals from government contracts.

Members of the Concerned Artist of the Philippines shared their rendition of Ben&Ben’s political song “Kapangyarihan,” while a number of LGBTQ+ artists also performed to express their rage.

Meanwhile, rallyists are also denouncing the president’s statement that he supports the anti-corruption rallies.

They also reiterated calls to never forget the atrocities during the martial law declared by late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos exactly 53 years ago.