Baguio groups, Mayor Magalong protest alleged billions stolen from public funds

Progressive groups in Baguio City, alongside Mayor Benjamin Magalong, protested on September 7, demanding accountability for alleged billions stolen from public funds, particularly focusing on flood control projects.

Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Cordillera Regional Coordinator Louise Montenegro highlighted that flood control projects alone amounted to P269 billion, questioning the small portion actually allocated for the projects after contractors' profits.

Montenegro urged citizens to be outraged by corruption, emphasizing that it deprives public services of necessary resources and called for unity in holding politicians accountable for their extravagant lifestyles.

National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) representative Karlo Ancheta criticized the 2025 budget cuts for education while billions are funneled into the DPWH for allegedly overpriced and 'ghost' projects.

Ancheta asserted that corrupt officials should face jail time and that the president should also be held liable for such issues.