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Thousands in Manila Protest Flood-Control Graft, Demand Swift Prosecutions

A palace lockdown with a vast police deployment framed a corruption crackdown that froze billions of pesos, plus a high-profile kickback repayment.

Protesters shout slogans during anti-corruption protest in Manila, Philippines on Sunday Nov. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Protesters shout slogans during an anti-corruption protest in Manila, Philippines on Sunday Nov. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
Protesters take part in an anti-corruption protest in front of the effigies of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Vice President Sara Duterte, in Manila, Philippines on Sunday Nov. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
A protester wearing a crocodile mask, takes part in an anti-corruption protest in Manila, Philippines on Sunday Nov. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Overview

  • Roman Catholic clergy joined thousands along EDSA and at Luneta Park urging prosecutions, resignations and the return of public funds tied to ghost flood-control projects.
  • More than 17,000 police were deployed across Metro Manila, with access to the Malacañang palace complex sealed in a security lockdown.
  • Authorities say roughly 12 billion pesos in suspect assets have been frozen, and at least seven public works officers have been jailed in initial cases.
  • Former government engineer Henry Alcantara returned 110 million pesos in alleged kickbacks after acknowledging involvement under oath and said more repayments will follow.
  • The armed forces rejected calls for unconstitutional action as investigators pursued construction executives, including Sunwest personnel, and President Marcos pledged further arrests by Christmas.