After Nepal, another country is in turmoil and once again, it's Gen Z leading the charge. This time, the streets belong to the youth of the Philippines, who have risen in protest against a multibillion-peso corruption scandal involving “ghost” flood control projects.
On Sunday, police clashed with demonstrators in Manila, detaining several protesters. The unrest comes amid mounting public anger over the alleged misuse of funds intended for critical infrastructure, even as relentless monsoon rains continue to batter the country.
While more than 33,000 citizens marched peacefully through historic parts of the capital, violence flared near Ayala Bridge and Mendiola. Protesters reportedly hurled stones, set motorcycles ablaze, and vandalized property. In response, police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds. Authorities confirmed 224 arrests including minors and reported that 131 officers were injured, some seriously.
Fueling the movement is a wave of outrage on social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and X, where young Filipinos are calling out lawmakers and contractors accused of greenlighting fake or incomplete infrastructure projects. The digital uprising reflects a broader demand for transparency, accountability, and genuine reform.
