Sun Sep 21 06:51:35 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version as a news article, written from the perspective of The Hindu:

**Summary:**

Thousands of Filipinos protested in Manila against widespread corruption related to flood-control projects. Public outrage stems from allegations that lawmakers, officials, and businesspeople pocketed kickbacks from these projects, leaving communities vulnerable to flooding. President Marcos Jr. has acknowledged the corruption, initiated an investigation, and accepted the resignation of his public works secretary. The scandal has implicated numerous officials and legislators, leading to resignations and investigations.

**News Article:**

**Manila Erupts in Protest Over Flood-Control Corruption**

**Manila, September 21, 2025 (The Hindu) -** Thousands of Filipinos took to the streets of Manila today, demonstrating against a massive corruption scandal linked to flood-control projects in the storm-prone nation. Protesters marched towards the EDSA People Power Monument, voicing their anger over allegations that lawmakers, government officials, and businesspeople have embezzled funds meant for critical infrastructure.

The scale of the alleged corruption is staggering. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed in July that investigations are underway into over 9,800 flood-control projects, valued at 545 billion pesos ($9.5 billion), which were purportedly substandard or nonexistent. The scandal has triggered widespread public outrage, fueled by revelations of lavish spending by individuals and companies implicated.

“I feel bad that we wallow in poverty and we lose our homes, our lives and our future while they rake in a big fortune from our taxes,” said Althea Trinidad, a student activist from a flood-prone region north of Manila.

The President has established an independent commission to investigate the alleged irregularities and accepted the resignation of his Public Works Secretary. However, the fallout has been extensive. Senate President Francis Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez have both stepped down, and numerous legislators and officials face investigations. Authorities have begun freezing assets and filing criminal complaints against those implicated.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, urged protesters to remain peaceful and demand accountability.

The United States and Australian embassies issued travel advisories urging their citizens to avoid the protest areas. While organizers emphasized their focus on exposing corruption within the system, they stopped short of calling for President Marcos Jr.’s resignation.

The protests highlight deep-seated concerns about governance and transparency in the Philippines. The events unfolding in Manila are being closely watched across Southeast Asia, as the region grapples with challenges of corruption and sustainable development.

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