Manila: Thousands of people in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, are protesting alleged "ghost" flood-control projects at the center of a multi-billion-dollar corruption scandal. Demonstrators accuse officials of diverting public funds meant to protect communities from deadly floods. Many demand arrests, saying top politicians are escaping scrutiny despite repeated infrastructure failures during recent typhoons. According to Deutsche Welle, the protests have gained momentum as citizens express frustration over the lack of accountability among government officials. The alleged diversion of funds has left many communities vulnerable to severe weather conditions, exacerbating the impact of recent typhoons. Protesters are calling for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of those responsible. The scandal has sparked a national debate on the effectiveness and transparency of government infrastructure projects. Questions have arisen regarding the allocation and oversight of public funds, with many c itizens worried about the long-term implications for disaster preparedness and management in the country. The protests are expected to continue as more people join the cause, demanding justice and reform.