Philippine President Backs Street Protests Amid $2B Flood Control Corruption Scandal

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos acknowledged and supported the public's anger over a massive corruption scandal involving fraudulent flood control projects, urging that protests remain peaceful despite the justified outrage. The scandal has sparked numerous protests across Manila, including a large student demonstration, with an upcoming major protest linked to the anniversary of martial law expected to draw large crowds. In response, the government placed the military on high alert as a precaution. Marcos named former Supreme Court justice Andres Reyes to lead a three-person commission to investigate flood control projects over the past decade, although the commission lacks authority to impose punishments. The scandal has implicated nearly 30 lawmakers and Department of Public Works and Highways officials, including Marcos's cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who denies involvement. Marcos emphasized that no friends or allies would be spared in the investigation, reflecting the government's commitment to addressing corruption amidst a long history of public fund scandals in the Philippines.