Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. openly declared on Monday, September 15, 2025, that he fully understands and does not fault the public for participating in street protests. These demonstrations have erupted in response to a significant corruption scandal involving fraudulent flood control projects that has ignited widespread anger across the nation.
In recent weeks, the capital city of Manila has witnessed a series of protests, including a notable gathering of approximately 3,000 students at the University of the Philippines campus. While many demonstrations have been relatively small-scale, a larger turnout is anticipated for the annual protest scheduled for Sunday, September 14, 2025, which commemorates the declaration of martial law by the President’s late father in 1972. In light of these events, the country’s army has been placed on ‘red alert’ as a precautionary measure.
During a press briefing on Monday, where he announced the appointment of a former Supreme Court justice to lead an investigative body, President Marcos affirmed the public’s outrage. ‘To show that you are enraged, to show that you are angry, to show that you are disappointed, to show that you want justice… What’s wrong with that?’ he questioned, adding, ‘I don’t blame them. Not one bit.’
He further pledged that ‘friends and allies would not be spared’ from the investigation, specifically addressing queries about his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Romualdez’s name was mentioned by witnesses during last week’s hearings into the scandal, though he has denied any involvement. He is among numerous lawmakers now under scrutiny as the scandal continues to expand.
The previous week saw owners of a construction firm accuse nearly 30 members of the House and officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of accepting cash payments.
President Marcos announced that former Supreme Court justice Andres Reyes would chair a newly formed three-person commission. This body is tasked with examining flood control projects over the last decade. While the commission possesses the authority to conduct hearings and review evidence, it cannot unilaterally impose penalties.
The Philippines has a long-standing history of public fund scandals, where high-ranking politicians found guilty of corruption have frequently avoided significant jail time. The Department of Finance estimates that between 2023 and 2025, the Philippine economy suffered losses up to 118.5 billion pesos (equivalent to $2 billion) due to corruption within flood control projects.
Vince Dizon, a respected economist and political advisor who served under several past administrations, recently took charge of the DPWH, an agency whose reputation has been severely damaged. On Monday, September 15, 2025, Dizon promptly dismissed three officials in Bulacan province, an area north of Manila frequently affected by flooding, for documented misconduct and gross neglect of duty.