Green groups form anti-corruption alliance for September 21 protest

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Environmentalists Stand Against Corruption will march with other protesters on September 21

MANILA, Philippines – Environmental groups formed an anti-corruption alliance on Thursday, September 18, intending to join the massive protest on September 21 against corruption in flood control infrastructure.

“The recent anomalies in flood control programs expose how billions of pesos are pocketed by politicians and contractors while ordinary Filipinos are left submerged in floodwaters, losing homes, livelihoods, and lives,” the Environmentalists Stand Against Corruption said in a statement.

Some of the environmental groups in the alliance are Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP), Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, Greenpeace Philippines, and Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives.

They are demanding accountability from former president Rodrigo Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., lawmakers, members of political dynasties, and top contractors.

Kalikasan spokesperson Jonila Castro criticized what she called the “greenwashing” of flood control projects — politicians and businessmen exploiting the impacts of the climate crisis to loot public coffers.

“These flood control projects are greenwashing projects,” said Castro during the alliance’s press briefing on Thursday. “Ginagamit ‘yung legitimate climate crisis na dahilan para gumawa ng mga ng mga proyektong pagmumulan lamang ng korapsyon.”

(They’re using the legitimate issue of climate crisis as an excuse to pursue projects that are sources of corruption.)

The alliance wants the government to prioritize environmental protection and disaster resilience in the national budget. Under the 2026 National Expenditure Program, the government is allotting P259.3 billion for water resources development and flood control measures.

Since Marcos declared a crackdown on corruption in flood control works, politicians’ links to infrastructure contractors and big-ticket projects had been revealed, stoking public outrage. Thousands of protesters are expected to march on September 21 to condemn widespread corruption.

“Taking our anger to the streets is not just a protest,” said Rae Junsay of YACAP. “It’s a call for immediate action to ensure a just and livable planet for all.”

In the Philippines, September 21 is marked by protests in remembrance of the day that the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, the namesake and father of the incumbent president, declared Martial Law, known as a dark chapter in the country’s history. – Rappler.com