Half a century after his father declared martial law, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr is facing the gravest crisis of his presidency: a massive corruption scandal, coup rumours, and mounting public anger that could spill into the streets of Manila in the coming days.
According to a detailed report by the South China Morning Post, revelations of widespread fraud in flood-control projects have ignited outrage across the country. Billions of pesos meant for public works were allegedly siphoned off by politicians, contractors and officials, leaving the capital dangerously vulnerable to flooding.
Public anger exploded last month after torrential rains submerged large areas of Manila. Outrage only grew when a viral video showed a contractor – reportedly a former receptionist – flaunting her collection of 28 luxury cars, including a Rolls-Royce purchased “for the umbrella that came with it.” Other videos soon followed, featuring the children of politically connected contractors boasting about designer goods and lavish lifestyles.
The scandal has sparked a wave of protests, culminating in two mass demonstrations planned for September 21 – the 53rd anniversary of Ferdinand Marcos Snr’s declaration of martial law. Student groups, civil society organisations, and the Catholic Church are expected to march to Rizal Park for a rally dubbed “Baha sa Luneta” (“Flood in Luneta”), followed by a larger convergence at the People Power Monument for the “Trillion Peso March.”
“This is a major crisis,” political scientist Dr Jean Franco of the University of the Philippines told the SCMP. “It can … make or break his legacy.”
Political divisions and coup rumours
The protests are not explicitly aimed at removing Marcos Jnr, but divisions within the political elite remain sharp. Critics note that should Marcos be forced to step down, Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio – daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte – would assume the presidency, a scenario some analysts warn could prove “more dreadful.”
While Duterte loyalists are organising separate rallies, the armed forces have publicly rejected any unconstitutional intervention. Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Armed Forces Chief Romeo Brawner recently issued a statement condemning efforts to draw the military into politics.
Meanwhile, political realignments continue inside Congress. Marcos recently gained ground with the formation of a pro-Marcos bloc in the Senate, while his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, stepped aside in favour of another ally within the president’s Federal Party of the Philippines.
Beijing moves on Scarborough Shoal
Marcos’ domestic troubles come as Beijing presses its advantage in the South China Sea. Earlier this month, China announced plans to establish a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal – a disputed reef known in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc.
Retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio warned SCMP that the move could pave the way for permanent Chinese military facilities in the northeastern South China Sea, giving Beijing near-total coverage of the contested waters. He urged Manila to respond with international law and stronger defence partnerships, but cautioned that “time is running out” as Marcos remains distracted by domestic crises.
Marcos promises action
In response to the scandal, Marcos has pledged to crack down on corruption. On September 11, he announced the creation of an Independent Commission for Infrastructure to investigate flood-control spending. “If I were not president, I would join the protests myself,” he said.
Skeptics, however, remain unconvinced. Franco noted that the president’s efforts are complicated by his own family’s history of plunder under martial law. Political commentator Vergel Santos told the SCMP that Marcos may be forced into reform by sheer public pressure, but added: “Of course, he won’t be able to do enough, given his family’s singular crimes against the nation.”
As tens of thousands prepare to march this week, Marcos faces a defining test — one that could determine whether his presidency stabilises or unravels under the weight of corruption, political intrigue and rising tensions with Beijing.
