Carrying placards that read “Protektahan ang kaban ng bayan,” groups from Pampanga and nearby provinces staged a protest in front of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office in San Fernando City, Pampanga on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, demanding transparency and accountability in government projects.

Protesters said that while many communities continue to suffer from floods and other crises, allegations of corruption in some government projects are surfacing.

Participants from Pampanga were joined by youth groups from Bulacan, Zambales, and Bataan.

“Payag ba kayo na ang pondo para sana sa restoration, waste management at disaster prevention ay napupunta sa bulsa ng mga kurakot?” Louise Lim, one of the protesters, said.

The groups urged the government to ensure that public funds are used properly and not diverted to personal gain. They also called for corrupt officials to be held accountable.

“Isa sa mga panawagan namin maging transparent at huwag maging new normal ang ganitong anumalya ng corruption ng pera ng bayan kasi tax ito ng mamamayan na dapat napupunta sa serbisyo,” Moc Avellanoza, spokesperson of the group, said.

The groups said funds intended for infrastructure must truly serve the people, especially as communities face worsening floods and climate-related problems.