NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Protesters Rally At Ombudsman, Demand Marcos Accountability Over Corruption And Flood Disasters
Photo credit: People Surge National Alliance of Disaster Survivors
QUEZON CITY — On the eve of Typhoon Yolanda’s anniversary, disaster survivors and anti-corruption groups rallied outside the Office of the Ombudsman on Friday, November 7, to demand justice and accountability from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for what they described as “institutionalized corruption” in infrastructure and flood-control projects.
The protest, led by the People Surge National Alliance of Disaster Survivors, was joined by Kilusang Bayan Kontra-Kurakot (KBKK), KADAMAY, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), and the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE). The groups urged the Ombudsman to launch an independent investigation into alleged irregularities in government spending and the approval of large-scale mining projects.
According to the groups, ₱26.7 billion worth of projects across 414 sites in Cebu were approved under inflated “unprogrammed appropriations,” allegedly serving as channels for kickbacks and political favors. They also cited the administration’s supposed links to favored contractors, including QM Builders, said to have ties to campaign donors.
“Natataon na anibersaryo ng Yolanda bukas, isang paalala na hindi pa natututo ang ating gobyerno at patuloy pa ring ninanakawan ang taumbayan at nilulunod sa putik at baha,” said Mimi Doringo, spokesperson for People Surge.
Ronnie Manalo, KMP Secretary General, added: “Farm-to-market roads? Mas naging road-to-farm ng mga kurap!”
Environmental groups blamed destructive mining and poorly planned flood-control projects for worsening disasters in the Visayas and Mindanao.
“Kaya hanggat walang nakukulong, nararapat lang ang pagkakaisa at paglaban ng mamamayang Pilipino,” said Niña Fegi of KBKK, announcing larger mobilizations on November 30 in Luneta Park.
The protesters also held placards linking the deaths and displacement from Typhoon Tino to alleged government negligence. “Hindi natural ang mga trahedya—bunga ito ng kapabayaan at katiwalian,” one banner read.
While the allegations remain unproven, the demonstrators’ unified message was clear: as long as corruption goes unchecked, the poorest Filipinos will continue to bear the heaviest costs — in floods, debt, and lost lives.
The protest, led by the People Surge National Alliance of Disaster Survivors, was joined by Kilusang Bayan Kontra-Kurakot (KBKK), KADAMAY, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), and the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE). The groups urged the Ombudsman to launch an independent investigation into alleged irregularities in government spending and the approval of large-scale mining projects.
According to the groups, ₱26.7 billion worth of projects across 414 sites in Cebu were approved under inflated “unprogrammed appropriations,” allegedly serving as channels for kickbacks and political favors. They also cited the administration’s supposed links to favored contractors, including QM Builders, said to have ties to campaign donors.
“Natataon na anibersaryo ng Yolanda bukas, isang paalala na hindi pa natututo ang ating gobyerno at patuloy pa ring ninanakawan ang taumbayan at nilulunod sa putik at baha,” said Mimi Doringo, spokesperson for People Surge.
Ronnie Manalo, KMP Secretary General, added: “Farm-to-market roads? Mas naging road-to-farm ng mga kurap!”
Environmental groups blamed destructive mining and poorly planned flood-control projects for worsening disasters in the Visayas and Mindanao.
“Kaya hanggat walang nakukulong, nararapat lang ang pagkakaisa at paglaban ng mamamayang Pilipino,” said Niña Fegi of KBKK, announcing larger mobilizations on November 30 in Luneta Park.
The protesters also held placards linking the deaths and displacement from Typhoon Tino to alleged government negligence. “Hindi natural ang mga trahedya—bunga ito ng kapabayaan at katiwalian,” one banner read.
While the allegations remain unproven, the demonstrators’ unified message was clear: as long as corruption goes unchecked, the poorest Filipinos will continue to bear the heaviest costs — in floods, debt, and lost lives.
Nov 7, 2025
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