In the heart of Manila, beneath the towering presence of the People Power Monument, a storm was brewing—not of rain, but of rage. The Philippines, a nation accustomed to the fury of typhoons, now faced a different kind of tempest: the wrath of a betrayed people.
It all began in July 2025, during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address. He proudly announced the completion of over 5,500 flood control projects across the archipelago. Yet, as the monsoon season unleashed its fury, many regions remained submerged, their cries unheard. The government’s promises seemed hollow, and the floodwaters spoke louder than words.
President Marcos, acknowledging the public’s growing distrust, ordered an investigation into the alleged corruption within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). He condemned the rampant kickbacks, ghost projects, and the betrayal of the Filipino people. “Mahiya naman kayo sa mga kabahayan nating naanod o nalubog sa mga pagbaha,” he declared, urging accountability.
The revelation sent shockwaves through the nation. Investigations uncovered that 67 lawmakers had acted as both legislators and contractors, funneling public funds into their own pockets. The flood control projects, instead of protecting communities, had become cash cows for the corrupt elite.
Amidst this turmoil, a voice emerged—one that resonated with the masses. Vice Ganda, a beloved comedian turned activist, took to the streets. At the “Trillion Peso March,” she delivered a fiery speech, challenging President Marcos to act decisively. “Kami ang nagpapasahod sa inyo!” she proclaimed, demanding justice for the stolen funds and the reinstatement of the death penalty for corrupt officials.
Her words ignited a nationwide movement. Celebrities, influencers, and ordinary citizens rallied together, flooding social media with calls for accountability. The hashtag #BahaSaLuneta trended globally, symbolizing the deluge of anger and the demand for change.
As the investigations deepened, the Discaya couple, prominent figures in the construction industry, found themselves at the center of the scandal. Their firm had secured over PHP100 billion in flood control contracts, many in areas not classified as high-risk. The public’s fury intensified as it became clear that the nation’s safety had been compromised for profit.
The scandal reached its zenith on September 21, 2025, the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law. Thousands gathered in Luneta and along EDSA, demanding justice. The streets, once silent, now echoed with the voices of a united nation.
In the days that followed, the government vowed to hold the guilty accountable. But for the Filipino people, the battle was far from over. The floodwaters had receded, but the fight for justice had just begun.