The Philippines: Floods of Corruption

History repeats itself.

Exactly 51 years ago, corruption and tyranny plagued the Philippines as former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared martial law, seizing power for himself to control the country and its history on his own terms. Outraged, Filipinos rose up in peaceful revolution—the EDSA People’s Power Movement—ousting Marcos to form a new democracy.

In bitter remembrance of martial law, former president Rodrigo Duterte declared September 21 as the National Day of Protest back in 2017. This was done to commemorate Filipinos’ solidarity against the oppression during Marcos' time.

After two EDSA revolutions and 38 years of so-called “democracy,” one would expect good governance in the Philippines—but this remains far from reality, especially in the present. Today, on the National Day of Protest and on the 51st anniversary of the declaration of martial law, the Filipino masses gather in Metro Manila, along the very highway where the first EDSA People Power revolution took place. They rally to end the corruption, triggered by the controversy of “Ghost Projects” using flood control budgets. Recently, it has been revealed that contractors and affiliated politicians steal billions of taxpayers‘ money to fund their extravagant lifestyles. The Department of Finance estimated that construction firms stole $2 billion, with almost 30 congressmen and public officials accused of accepting cash payments from these contractors. This is a clear sign of graft and abuse of power, one that cannot be ignored any longer, committed by the individuals whom the Filipinos thought would protect and serve them.

Around 50,000 Filipinos converge across Manila to protest against injustice—not with violence in mind, but reform. These organized protests, similar to EDSA People Power one and EDSA People Power two, are meant to be peaceful rallies with representatives from all sectors of Philippine society; university students and faculty, religious groups, members of local government units, civil societies, among many more. Protesters were reminded that they should avoid destroying public infrastructure and harming civilians or policemen before the rallies started.

However, instances of violence still erupted; 17 people threw rocks at the riot police, police used water cannons on protesters, and policemen continued to clash with civilians. 

Putting it into international context, the Philippine protests are slightly different from the ones seen in Nepal and Indonesia. Described as “deadly anti-government protests led by Gen-Z” by NBC and other news outlets, these are more violent and brutal in nature. But these protesters, whether they are from the Philippines or Nepal, are fighting for the same thing— justice and government reforms.

As heavy discontent floods the streets of the Philippines, one question remains: until when will we allow our country, rich in culture and resources, to be plundered over and over again by vicious alligators in the government?

Will these rallies end corruption and allow the country to finally see the light of good governance, or will history just repeat itself?