Schools along Taft Avenue have come together to express their anger over corruption in flood control projects. According to the group, billions of pesos have been lost in funds for projects that were supposed to protect against floods, but were substandard or never completed.
According to a statement by the One Taft alliance with more than 400 signatures from teachers, students, and university leaders, negligence and corruption have caused a “twin-tragedy” — major floods and deaths. They also asked how many youth and workers have died or fallen ill with diseases such as leptospirosis due to the misuse of funds.
They also criticized contractors, officials, and former administrations who allowed the problem to worsen. In their appeal, they said: “The people are drowning in misery, while corrupt officials are devouring embezzled funds.”
Today, September 21, two major protest actions are scheduled: the “Baha sa Luneta” in the morning and the “Trillion Piso March” in the afternoon on EDSA. It is estimated that up to 15,000 people will participate, including various schools, groups, and churches.
Ultimately, schools and organizations called for “to drown corrupt officials in the anger of the people” in protest against continued corruption and negligence in flood control.