Written for The Diplomat
Massive protests were held on September 21 in Metro Manila and other major cities across the Philippines, denouncing large-scale corruption involving top officials in charge of the government’s infrastructure projects.
The two biggest protests in the capital region gathered more than 100,000 people demanding truth and accountability for systemic corruption in the bureaucracy. Supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte also organized two protest centers, including one in front of the military headquarters, but only a few people showed up. Another protest led by young people who seemed to be inspired by the uprisings in Indonesia and Nepal turned into a violent confrontation with the police near the Malacañang presidential palace. Outside Manila, various protests were also held in major urban centers reflecting the widespread outrage against the latest corruption scandal linked to the government’s flood-control program.
The September 21 protest, especially the emergence of young protesters who do not belong to any mainstream organized formation, provided a vivid demonstration of how the seemingly predictable anti-corruption campaign initiated by no less than the president himself could turn into another political force with a potentially disruptive impact on society.
Baha sa Luneta 2.0
Written for The Diplomat
Organizers of the September 21 anti-corruption protests in the Philippines have announced that they are gearing up for another coordinated, massive action on November 30, reflecting the rising anger over the systematic theft of people’s money and the clamor to overhaul the country’s political system dominated by a few powerful clans.
Marcos has attended high-profile events in Malaysia and South Korea over the past two weeks, which may have boosted his credentials as a regional leader. But back home, the global media spotlight mattered little, as citizens have become more weary about corruption and are even prepared to join protests to call for accountability and justice.