Large-scale anti-corruption protests erupt in the Philippines, with citizens and clergy demanding a thorough investigation into corruption in flood control projects.

On November 30, 2025, local time, large-scale anti-corruption protests broke out in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and many other places. Thousands of demonstrators, including Roman Catholic clergy, took to the streets, calling for the swift prosecution of senior officials and legislators involved in the flood control project corruption scandal and demanding the recovery of stolen public funds.

This protest marks the second phase of a nationwide anti-corruption demonstration. The core activities were concentrated near Rizal Park in Manila and the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City. Demonstrators held signs and chanted “Put corrupt officials in jail now!” Some wore masks with President Marcos’s image and crocodile masks to express their discontent. High-ranking Catholic figures actively participated, calling for resistance against the normalization of corruption, demanding greater transparency in the use of public funds, and stating bluntly that “the plundering of the people’s property is extremely terrible.”

The protests stemmed from a 545 billion peso flood control project scandal, with numerous projects exposed as “ghost projects” or involving shoddy workmanship. Several high-ranking officials had already resigned, and although the government recently arrested some individuals involved, public discontent remained. Police deployed over 17,000 officers to maintain order, and the presidential palace stated it respected the public’s demands and was closely monitoring the situation.