Philippines Faces Political Turmoil as Protests Target Corruption and Elite

Political unrest is brewing in the Philippines, with a major protest, the ‘Trillion Peso March,’ planned for September 21st in Manila. The protests are fueled by anger over alleged corruption, particularly concerning billions of dollars in government funds, and the extravagant lifestyles of the children of politicians. The recent devastating floods have also added to the public’s frustration. People are struggling to cope with the aftermath, while questioning how funds allocated for flood control were used. Social media is playing a key role in this movement. Citizens are using platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and X (Twitter) to express their discontent, creating memes and AI videos to criticize political figures and the opulent lives of the ‘nepo babies.’ The upcoming Trillion Peso March is named after a Greenpeace report that highlighted the corruption within climate and flood control projects. The date of the march holds historical significance. The government has formed a commission, but many citizens are skeptical, believing the government’s response is merely a delaying tactic, and that a significant change in government is necessary.