"Tens of thousands of Filipinos took to the streets on Sunday to protest against government corruption after it was alleged that taxpayers have lost billions of dollars to bogus flood relief projects. Students, church groups, celebrities, and citizens from different political camps filled the streets in Manila and other cities. Lawmakers and officials are alleged to have pocketed huge kickbacks in exchange for contracts, while crucial projects intended to protect the country from flood damage have not materialised."
"Estimates by the Philippine government suggest that the country's economy may have lost as much as 1.48bn over the last two years from corruption in flood control projects. Greenpeace has estimated the cost is even greater, saying more than 13bn was siphoned off from climate-related projects in 2023. The allegations, which have rocked the country, first emerged in July, at a time when monsoon rains and storms had inundated towns and cities, causing misery for millions."
Tens of thousands of Filipinos protested nationwide after allegations that taxpayers lost billions to bogus flood relief and climate projects. Students, church groups, celebrities, and citizens from varied political camps joined rallies in Manila and other cities. Lawmakers and officials are alleged to have pocketed huge kickbacks in exchange for contracts while crucial flood-protection projects remained unbuilt. The Philippine government estimates losses of about $1.48bn over two years; Greenpeace estimates over $13bn siphoned from climate-related projects in 2023. The allegations surfaced in July amid heavy monsoon rains that inundated towns and cities. Church leaders called for accountability. Protests were largely peaceful though some arrests and injuries occurred.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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