Protesters clashed with police in Manila on Sunday, throwing stones and burning tires during a demonstration against what they say is corruption over government infrastructure projects.
"The people are very angry because they have been victims of flooding for all these years. And flooding has made their lives so difficult. And yet the discovery that all the billions of pesos that were supposed to help them, that was supposed to solve the problem have ended up lining the pockets of all these corrupt politicians, government officials and contractors."
"We are here to remind our people that during the anniversary of martial law: martial law was not just about authoritarian rule. Martial law enabled the plunder of our nation's wealth. Unfortunately, authoritarianism and plunder continue to plague our country. So we are here to demand action from the government. We are here to demand accountability against corrupt officials in the government."
The day began with thousands of people gathered at a public park chanting slogans against corruption.
Allegations of mismanagement of the government's flood control projects have been in the spotlight in recent months during the country's monsoon season, which has inundated towns and cities despite spending over $9.54 billion (545 billion pesos) on flood control since 2022.
Protesters had planned to demonstrate in front of the presidential palace, but were barred by the police, which resulted in a violent outburst. A loud sound reminiscent of a flash bang was heard in the direction of the police, who later marched to arrest several protesters on the scene.
The demonstration coincides with the 1972 anniversary of the declaration of martial law by former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the father of current president Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which was marked by widespread human rights abuses during his two-decade rule.
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