Anti-corruption protests in Philippines draw tens of thousands, were ‘99% peaceful’: Video

The demonstration — dubbed “Baha sa Luneta” (“Flood in Luneta”) — was organised after a series of government investigations exposed multibillion-peso corruption linked to flood-control projects, a crucial lifeline in one of the world’s most typhoon-battered nations. The Philippines is struck by an average of 20 typhoons every year.

Sunday’s gathering was widely viewed as one of the largest nonpartisan protests in years, drawing participants from across the political spectrum united in frustration at corruption. Rally organisers even rejected those attempting to rally behind political colours, whether for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. or Vice President Sara Duterte.

It marked the most significant public backlash yet under Marcos Jr., who himself revealed that some flood-relief projects declared “completed” were either left untouched or built to substandard levels. The protest also coincided with the anniversary of the declaration of martial law by his father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., on September 21, 1972.

Official figures put the turnout at nearly 50,000 in Luneta. By mid-afternoon, many demonstrators moved to the EDSA Shrine in Quezon City, the historic highway where millions gathered in 1986 to topple the elder Marcos’ regime.

Echoing uprisings in Indonesia and Nepal, protesters also railed against the lavish lifestyles of infrastructure contractors, government figures, and so-called “nepo babies” — the children of political elites accused of benefiting from their parents’ wealth and influence.

At EDSA, more high-profile figures joined in, including senators, celebrities, and even figures once associated with the right. The protests stretched until dusk and remained largely peaceful, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

“I want to express that 99% of the protests were very peaceful, and the people had every right to express themselves. I respect that, and even the President is indignant to the situation [violent actions],” he said.

“There was 1% that were agitators. We won’t allow them to destroy the reputation of this protest. Everyone has a right to protest, but we will not tolerate agitators,” he added. 

Despite the largely calm demonstrations, there were clashes. Manila police reported 113 protesters arrested and 93 officers injured.

Several kilometres away from Luneta, tensions flared at the Ayala Bridge, a crucial route to Malacañang Palace, where Marcos was said to be “monitoring” the events. The bridge had been fortified with police and vehicles, its entrance blocked by a trailer meant to hold back protesters. The trailer was set on fire as groups of youths hurled stones and Molotov cocktails at police.

Remulla claimed that the masked men intended to storm the presidential palace and set it ablaze. Many observers likened the attempted attack to recent protests in Nepal, where “Gen Z” demonstrators torched government buildings, triggering political unrest.

Violence continued into the night near the Peace Arch on Mendiola Street. The once-peaceful protest site was overtaken by alleged groups of local youths who again threw stones and Molotov cocktails at police.

Hours later, masked men ransacked a nearby motel and stole its vault, prompting police to advance and disperse the looters.

These clashes threatened to overshadow the larger, peaceful demonstrations elsewhere in Manila. Francisco Domagoso, mayor of the capital, accused a former politician and a Filipino-Chinese financier of backing the rioters.

“I thought you wanted a decent government? Then why destroy government property?” Domagoso said. “We are angry at those who plunder our coffers, but now we will be forced to use taxpayers’ money to repair what was destroyed.”