Residents of Malolos, Bulacan staged a protest in front of the Bulacan Provincial Capitol at 9:00 a.m. on September 21, 2025, denouncing alleged government corruption in anomalous flood control projects. Francis Orcio, ABS-CBN News
BULACAN -- Thousands of Bulakeños poured into the streets on Sunday to denounce alleged corruption in government flood control projects, holding simultaneous protests in Malolos and Calumpit.
The rallies, marked by prayers, marches, and candle-lighting, drew participants from diverse sectors who demanded accountability from officials and immediate solutions to recurring floods that have long plagued their communities.
In Malolos, the Katipunan Student Movement (KASAMA) mobilized hundreds in a march from the Malolos Cathedral to the Bulacan Provincial Capitol. The protest began with a mass officiated by Bishop Dennis Villarojo, symbolizing both a call for justice and a collective plea for relief.
KASAMA co-organizer John Camacho said the mobilization aimed to pressure the government to act decisively.
He stressed the demands went beyond mere investigation.
"I-pressure natin iyong pamahalaan, iyong mga mambabatas natin na hindi lang manatili sa imbestigasyon, bagkus ay mapanagot, makulong iyong mga may sala, hindi lang po iyong mga contractor, bagkus pati iyong mga kasabwat nilang kongresista, senador at kung sino pang opisyal na mga nakaupo," Camacho said.
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Among the participants was Mercy Macapagal from Malolos, who marched with more than ten relatives. It was her first time to join a public demonstration.
For her, joining the protest was a way to channel long-standing frustration over years of flooding.
"Gusto kong maramdaman nila iyong galit din namin. Dahil, tuwing uulan na lang binabaha kami. Tuwing uulan na lang, nagtataas kami ng gamit," Macapagal said.
She added that the government has failed to provide solutions even though her neighborhood sits beside the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) office.
"Ibalik nila iyong pera na ninakaw nila. Gawin nila iyong flood control na sinasabi at nang mabawasan man lang iyong baha. Nahihirapan kami. Sobra kaming nahihirapan. Sila ang sarap ng buhay nila tapos kami nahihirapan. Tama ba iyon?" she added.
In Calumpit, the local government unit itself spearheaded the rally.
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Mayor Lem Faustino led officials, barangay leaders, and residents from all 29 barangays in condemning alleged misuse of flood control funds. The program included a unity prayer and candle-lighting with participants from various religious and civic groups.
"Dito sa aming bayan ng Calumpit, alam naman ng lahat na ang bayan ng Calumpit ay talagang binabaha. Nabigyan naman ng pagkakataon na magkaroon ng pondo ng flood control project, pero anong nangyari?" the mayor said.
"Kung ginamit lang ng tama ang pondo sa flood control, sana walang ganito nangyayari ngayon," she added.
Faustino said the absence of LGU oversight has worsened the problem.
"Napaka-importante na makasama ang LGU sa ganitong proyekto dahil kami ang nakakaranas ng hirap ng baha," Faustino emphasized.
The outrage is linked to revelations from government data, including Malacañang's "Sumbong sa Pangulo" website, which listed Bulacan as the top province in flood control projects with 668 contracts from 2022 to 2025.
For residents, the figures highlight a painful contradiction, that billions of pesos spent on paper, yet communities remain submerged in floods.
As the rainy season continues to batter Bulacan, protesters vowed to sustain their actions until officials are held accountable and long-promised infrastructure is finally delivered.
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