Massive Demo In Philippines September 21, Marcos Understands Public Is Angry But Asks For Conducive Demo

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (Wikimedia Commons-Presidential Communications Office)

JAKARTA - Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to public aspirations expressing anger over the massive corruption that has disrupted flood control projects in one of Asia's most hurricane-prone countries. However, Marcos appealed for demonstrations to be carried out peacefully.

"If I wasn't president, I might be taking to the streets with them," Marcos said of anti-corruption protesters, Monday, September 15, quoted from AP.

Marcos promised to oversee the investigation of the Philippine independent commission with the House of Representatives and Senate regarding a number of legislators suspected of being involved in massive bribes, along with government engineers and construction companies in flood control projects in his country.

Marcos first spoke of a corruption scandal in July 2025 in his annual state speech.

Unlike the waves of mass action in Nepal and Indonesia, street demonstrations oppose alleged violations in the Philippines are smaller and relatively peaceful.

Anger was largely vented online, including by leaders of Catholic churches, business executives, and retired generals.

Demonstrations in the Philippines are planned to be held again on September 21 at a pro-democracy temple in the metropolitan city of Manila.

The location of the demonstration near luxury settlements that are closely guarded, where several corruption suspects live in luxury, is expected to attract a larger crowd. Police and troops have been alerted.

"Of course they are angry, of course they are angry, I am angry," added Marcos, calling on the protesters to demand accountability.

"You tell them how you feel, tell them how they hurt you, how they steal from you, shout them and do anything, demonstrate, keep them at peace," continued Marcos.