MANILA — A storm of protest swept across the country on September 21, the anniversary of Martial Law, as Filipinos raged over alleged anomalies in multibillion-peso flood control projects. Malacañang responded by affirming President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s respect for the people’s right to dissent, while announcing that a formal investigation is already underway.
“Naririnig at nararamdaman ng Pangulo ang pagkadismaya ng taumbayan at iyon ay kanyang nararamdaman rin,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a statement.
Castro said Marcos shared the public’s frustration over substandard or “ghost” projects, adding that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure has launched a probe into the reported irregularities. She appealed for citizens’ cooperation to ensure accountability for those found guilty of wrongdoing.
While assuring that the President welcomes legitimate dissent, Castro also cautioned against opportunists allegedly riding on the rallies.
“Maging mapanuri lamang at maging mapagmatyag dahil baka gamitin ang lehitimong layunin na ito ng mga tao na ang nais lamang ay manira ng gobyerno at iangat ang personal na interest nila,” she said.
The day of action saw massive gatherings nationwide. The “Bahain ang Luneta” protest, led by activists and multi-sectoral groups, filled Rizal Park in Manila in the morning.
In the afternoon, religious groups and civil society converged for the “Trillion Peso March” at the People Power Monument in Quezon City, invoking public anger over what they described as a “trillion-peso scam.”
Supporters of the Dutertes also staged counter-activities at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila and at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
In Davao City, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio led a prayer rally highlighted by the sacrifice of 100 cattle.
The twin outpouring of dissent and solidarity underscored how the flood control controversy—centered on allegedly substandard, overpriced, or non-existent projects—has quickly become one of the biggest political storms confronting the Marcos administration./PN
