Hundreds of anti-corruption protesters marched in Manila on Saturday morning over allegations of massive corruption in flood control projects that have implicated several congressmen and officials.

Dozens of legislators, senators, construction companies and public works engineers were identified and accused of pocketing huge kickbacks that financed lavish lifestyles and high-stakes casino gambling.

The Philippine defense and military chiefs rejected a call for the country’s armed forces to withdraw support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in response to the public outrage.

“People like Marcos (President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) who destroyed and spread so much misinformation and also turned a blind eye to corruption until it has finally brought to his doorstep that this can't go on,” said Francis Aquino Dee, a protest leader.

The House of Representatives, the Senate and Marcos’ administration have been investigating alleged substandard and non-existent flood control projects in separate televised inquiries.

Unlike recent violent protests in Nepal and Indonesia, street rallies against alleged abuses in the Philippines have been smaller and relatively peaceful. 

AP video by Joeal Calupitan