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Philippines Nepo babies protests: Weeks of non-stop monsoon rains have inundated vast areas of the Philippines, but the tragedy has also set off a political tempest. Citizens are furious over widespread corruption and the lavish lifestyles of the children of influential families, known as “nepo babies. The furor mirrors the tide of anti-establishment protests witnessed in Nepal in the first half of this year, in which an uprising among the youth ultimately led to the ouster of the government.

Why Are floods Causing Anger?

Streets in towns near Manila have been turned into rivers. People are paddling their way to school, clinics, and offices, and hospitals are seeing an epidemic of leptospirosis, a disease attributed to dirty floodwater.

Seasonal flooding is nothing new for the Philippines' millions of people. But the extent of the devastation this year has pushed ancient frustrations center stage. Citizens demand to know why, after billions of pesos were devoted to flood-control projects, towns still get inundated during major storms.

• Billions of pesos worth of flood-control projects disappeared into corruption.

• At least 70 per cent of money reported lost to "ghost projects."

• Flooding repeatedly indicates systemic failure in spite of enormous government expenditure.

• Waterborne disease outbreaks contribute to the daily tribulations of citizens.

• People perceive that elites gain while common people endure losses.

Why Are 'Nepo Babies' Under Spotlight?

The anger is not only directed at politicians and contractors but also extends to their children, referred to as "nepo babies." They flaunt wealth on TikTok, Facebook, and X while flood-stricken Filipinos wade through deep water.

• Politician and contractor children parading lavish lifestyles.

• Footage of costly cars, private planes, and designer clothes is going viral.

• Perceived as symbols of corruption and injustice.

• Public outrage at their alleged use of taxpayer funds to accumulate wealth.

• Online movements ridicule and harass them, further fueling mass protests.

Contractor couple Pacifico and Sarah Discaya, who were once the envy of many with their "rags-to-riches" tale, are now the poster children of extravagance. They are filmed bragging about three dozen luxury cars, among them a number of Mercedes Maybachs and Porsches. Their business firm, which landed multi-billion-peso deals, has been blacklisted.

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The scandal has already had high-profile victims. The Speaker of the House stepped down, and Senate leaders were removed from office after connections to dubious contractors became public. Investigations are ongoing into several companies accused of operating ghost projects and making kickbacks.

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President Marcos Jr. vowed a complete investigation and to "unmask the swindlers." A nationwide anti-corruption protest is planned for September 21, the anniversary of martial law under Marcos' father. Activist groups have vowed to sustain pressure until accountability is ensured.