Dozens of police officers injured as anger erupts over billions allegedly spent on bogus relief projects
Tens of thousands of Filipinos took to the streets on Sunday to protest against government corruption after it was alleged that taxpayers have lost billions of dollars to bogus flood relief projects.
Students, church groups, celebrities, and citizens from different political camps filled the streets in Manila and other cities.
Lawmakers and officials are alleged to have pocketed huge kickbacks in exchange for contracts, while crucial projects intended to protect the country from flood damage have not materialised.
Estimates by the Philippine government suggest that the country’s economy may have lost as much as £1.48bn over the last two years from corruption in flood control projects. Greenpeace has estimated the cost is even greater, saying more than £13bn was siphoned off from climate-related projects in 2023.
