陈相秒、张舒:街头抗议不断、关键人物“翻脸”,小马科斯为何仍“稳坐钓鱼台”?
Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2025-12-04 00:39

Core Points - The article discusses the ongoing anti-corruption protests in the Philippines, particularly focusing on the government's handling of a multi-billion dollar infrastructure corruption scandal [1][2][4] - The protests reflect a significant trust crisis for President Marcos, exacerbated by political rivalries and the historical context of family politics in the Philippines [2][5][19] Summary by Sections Protests and Public Sentiment - Thousands of Filipinos protested in Manila, demanding accountability for a corruption scandal involving billions of dollars [1] - This is the second major protest since the corruption allegations surfaced in July, indicating growing public discontent [1][2] - The protests are fueled by a broader trust crisis in the Marcos administration, with public support and trust ratings declining significantly [5][6][8] Trust and Approval Ratings - Marcos' approval rating dropped from 62% in July 2025 to 54% in September 2025, while disapproval rose from 19% to 26% [6] - Trust levels fell from 64% to 57% in the same period, with significant declines among lower-income groups [7] - Recent polls indicate that public trust in the government is at an all-time low, with many believing corruption is more prevalent now than three years ago [8][10] Government Response and Political Dynamics - The Marcos administration has attempted to distance itself from the corruption allegations, employing a "sacrificial" strategy by allowing key political allies to resign [9][12] - Key figures, including the Speaker of the House and the Secretary of Public Works, have resigned amid the scandal, reflecting an effort to mitigate public outrage [12][13] - The establishment of an "Independent Commission on Infrastructure" to investigate the corruption has been met with skepticism, as many doubt its effectiveness [10][23] Corruption Allegations and Historical Context - The article highlights the historical context of corruption in the Philippines, noting that up to half of the funds allocated for flood control projects may have been lost to corruption [10][14] - Allegations include that contractors must pay kickbacks of 20% to 25% before projects even begin, significantly reducing the actual funds available for construction [9][10] - The political rivalry between the Marcos and Duterte families adds complexity to the situation, with both sides implicated in corruption [2][19] Future Implications - The protests are expected to continue, particularly as the typhoon season approaches, which could exacerbate public dissatisfaction with inadequate infrastructure [19][24] - The military and police have expressed support for the Marcos administration, indicating that a coup is unlikely despite the protests [20][24] - The article suggests that if the administration fails to address the corruption issues before the next typhoon season, the trust crisis could deepen, potentially leading to a shift in political power dynamics [24][25]