Tens of Thousands Rally in Manila Over Massive Flood Control Corruption Scandal

Manila: Tens of thousands are gathering at Philippines' capital Manila, demanding accountability over a corruption scandal, linked to a flood control project, implicationg powerful people in the government, including top officials and allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Various groups have protested in recent months following the discovery that thousands of flood defense projects across one of the world's most typhoon-prone countries were substandard, incomplete or simply did not exist. The three day rally, which began on sunday, is the latest display of outrage over the flood control project.

According to media reports, about 30,000 members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, or Church of Christ, gathered in Manila’s Rizal Park before noon for the protest. Hundreds, including retired generals, held a separate anti-corruption protest late Sunday at the "People Power" monument in suburban Quezon city.

The police, backed by the military, went on full alert and deployed thousands of personnel to secure the rallies. It is reported that 15,000 police will be deployed to ensure that the protests will be held peacefully.

Among those accused in the scandal are well connected figures, including former House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez, the president's cousin and a key ally.