### Massive Rally in Manila Highlights Public Outrage Over Flood Control Corruption - On November 16, 2025, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos, led by the religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), gathered at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila, to demand accountability for a corruption scandal involving flood control projects. This rally is noted as the largest protest to date regarding this issue, reflecting widespread public anger over alleged embezzlement and substandard infrastructure in a country frequently affected by typhoons. The scandal has implicated high-ranking government officials and members of Congress, with testimonies revealing kickbacks and corruption in the awarding of contracts for flood defense projects [https://apnews.com/article/philippines-flood-control-corruption-protests-d390012c4eb5c37fc906b4fdc53e14fb][https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/11/17/news/national/iglesia-ni-cristo-members-rally-in-manila-for-flood-project-accountability/2224920]. ### Structure of the Rally and Its Implications 1. **Background of the Scandal**: The protest is a response to a corruption scandal involving flood control projects that have failed to provide adequate protection against flooding, leading to public outcry and demands for accountability from government officials [https://www.examiner.com.au/story/9112836/mass-rally-in-manila-targets-flood-corruption-scandal]. 2. **Participants and Organization**: The rally was organized primarily by the Iglesia ni Cristo, a significant religious group in the Philippines, which mobilized thousands of its members to participate in the protest [https://www.socialnews.xyz/2025/11/16/hundreds-of-thousands-rally-in-manila-over-philippines-flood-control-corruption-scandal-video]. 3. **Government Response**: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has promised swift action against those involved, with criminal complaints already filed against dozens of suspects, indicating a serious governmental response to the allegations [https://apnews.com/article/philippines-flood-control-corruption-protests-d390012c4eb5c37fc906b4fdc53e14fb]. 4. **Public Sentiment**: The rally reflects a growing frustration among the populace regarding corruption and the inefficacy of flood control measures, which are critical in a nation prone to natural disasters [https://www.sdpb.org/2025-11-16/hundreds-of-thousands-rally-in-manila-against-flood-control-corruption-scandal]. ### Evidence of Public Engagement and Government Accountability - **Attendance Figures**: Reports indicate that hundreds of thousands of participants attended the rally, showcasing the scale of public engagement on this issue [https://www.socialnews.xyz/2025/11/16/hundreds-of-thousands-rally-in-manila-over-philippines-flood-control-corruption-scandal-video]. - **Government Actions**: The government has initiated criminal complaints against numerous individuals implicated in the scandal, signaling a potential shift towards accountability [https://apnews.com/article/philippines-flood-control-corruption-protests-d390012c4eb5c37fc906b4fdc53e14fb]. - **Public Sentiment**: The overwhelming turnout at the rally indicates a significant level of public dissatisfaction with the current state of governance and infrastructure in the Philippines, particularly concerning disaster preparedness [https://www.examiner.com.au/story/9112836/mass-rally-in-manila-targets-flood-corruption-scandal]. ### Conclusion: A Call for Accountability in the Philippines 1. **Public Mobilization**: The massive turnout at the rally underscores a critical moment in Philippine civil society, where citizens are demanding accountability from their leaders regarding corruption in flood control projects. 2. **Government's Role**: The response from President Marcos Jr. and the government will be pivotal in determining the future of public trust and the effectiveness of flood control measures in the Philippines. 3. **Ongoing Vigilance**: The public's engagement in this issue highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and advocacy for transparency and accountability in government projects, especially those that directly impact the safety and well-being of citizens [https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/11/17/news/national/iglesia-ni-cristo-members-rally-in-manila-for-flood-project-accountability/2224920][https://apnews.com/article/philippines-flood-control-corruption-protests-d390012c4eb5c37fc906b4fdc53e14fb].