More than half a million people participated in this March for Transparency and Better Democracy, amid a climate of unease and distrust, as the infrastructure projects, intended to better protect cities, were financed with taxpayer money.

The protests began two days ago, following the resignations of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, in response to the results of an investigation into the flood control initiatives.

For months, the investigation has revealed nonexistent projects, described as phantom projects by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself, and other defective projects, while those responsible and involved are being identified as the analysis of the documents progresses.

A statement from the Philippine presidency says the resignations will not absolve officials of responsibility if investigations find them guilty.

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