The Philippines is grappling with severe flooding this monsoon season, prompting frustration over alleged corruption in flood control projects. Daily routines for citizens like Crissa Tolentino, a public school teacher who navigates inundated streets by boat, have been severely disrupted. I feel betrayed, she says, highlighting the anger surrounding misallocated government funds that could have alleviated the situation.
Many Filipinos are taking to social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook to voice their grievances against lawmakers accused of misusing public funds for 'ghost' projects. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr admitted to the corruption issue and announced an inquiry, recognizing the gravity of public anger, especially as the nation prepares for large-scale protests.
Filipinos are not only expressing their anger online; they are also highlighting the hypocrisy of wealthy politicians and their families—dubbed 'nepo babies'—who flaunt lavish lifestyles while citizens endure flooding and related health crises. The government's estimated 70% loss of flood control funds has further incited public outrage towards bureaucrats and tycoons profiting from contracts.
As protests gather momentum, artists and activists rally against the culture of nepotism and corruption, a reminder of past movements that have led to change in the Philippines.
