Streets On Fire: People's Rage Against Corruption in Nepal, Indonesia, and The Philippines - Pea 2 - Mandac
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mlc1397Streets On Fire: People's Rage Against Corruption in Nepal, Indonesia, and The Philippines - Pea 2 - Mandac
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mlc1397Louis Gerald C.
Mandac
Political Science 31
Political Economy
Mr. Jumel Estrañero
PEA 2 (PolEcon Analysynthesis)
Streets on Fire: People’s Rage Against Corruption in Nepal,
Indonesia, and the Philippines
I. Background / Snippet
• Nepal’s Gen-Z Protests
- In September 2025, various Nepalese youths (Gen Z) they protested against corruption,
unemployment, and social media prohibition. These fights resulted between these
protesters and security forces, during which several people were killed and injured. This
protest prompted Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to step down, to resign to his office.
• Indonesia’s Local Corruption Outrage
- In places like Pati Regency, Central Java, citizens demonstrated against substantially
boosted buildings and land taxes (PBB-P2), local corruption, and poor governance. They
urged government officials to resign and for there to be investigations into the
inappropriateness of public funds being utilized.
• Philippines’ Ghost Flood Control Projects & Infrastructure Scandal
- On September 21, 2025, massive protests in Manila and other cities vented over immense
corruption involving flood control infrastructure, ghost and substandard projects, and
billions of trillions of pesos vanished like a thin air. Citizens demanded transparency,
recovery of funds, and prosecution of corrupt officials. President Marcos Jr. affirmed
investigations and urged peaceful protest.
Actual Occurrence
• In Nepal, Youth Demonstrations started in early September 2025 they protest in response to
dissatisfaction with corruption and suppression. The government issued social media bans,
which increased anger from the citizens. The protests escalated, there was violence, killings,
and ultimately PM Oli resigned. The interim government promised reforms.
• In Indonesia, although protests have been common at local or regional scales, recent protests
in Pati show citizens' intent to protest tax raises and demand transparency and accountability.
Local legislatures have been pushed to act, cancel policy, or initiate inquiry committees.
• In Philippines, Filipino’s protest on September 21, 2025, the "Baha sa Luneta" and "Trillion
Peso March" protests, in which thousands of Filipinos gathered to demand transparency,
justice, and actions to end corrupt practices not just in flood controls and infrastructure but to
all corrupt practices of all politicians. There has been investigation to the legislators,
government agencies, and contractors for this matter. President Marcos Jr. has promised to spare
no high-ranking officials.
II. Analysis
• Corruption Weakens Legitimacy and Drives Youth Mobilization
- Corruption in these three nations isn't theft of finances: it's loss of trust of the citizens.
Youth, who often feel they bear most of the cost (deteriorating infrastructure, poor
employment, poor public services), bear the effect most. The social media provides an
amplifier to their voices. When institutions appear to be unresponsive, protests provide
outlets to seek change.
• Dependency on Weak Accountability Enables Corruption
- Political dynasties, ineffective prosecution or judicial systems, or constrained power of
oversight institutions (such as ineffective ombudsman or anti-graft commission) allow
corruption to happen. In the Philippines, unapproved budget allocations or "insertions,"
contractor-legislator connections, and inadequate punishment allow corrupt officials to
continue operating. In Nepal, protests uncovered how prohibitions and vague laws
protect elite interests. In Indonesia, local governments at risk of poor oversight fall
victim to misuse of ratified taxes or projects.
• State Responses Shape Future Stability
- How governments respond (investigation, resignation, prosecution vs. suppression)
really matters a lot. Just like in Nepal's interim government they assured reforms in the
wake of mass protests. The Philippine promise to have in-depth review dissension
through independent investigation commissions and non-violent protest remains to be
tested. If investigations come across as symbolic, or punishment humane, public’s rage
can increase. On the other hand, sincere and genuine enforcement, transparency, and
damages really strengthen democracy's resilience.
III. Policy Recommendations
• Strengthen Independent Prosecutorial and Oversight Bodies
- It should provide strong ombudsmen, anti-corruption commissions, and procurators
with necessary legal tools: such as subpoena power, financial forensic expertise, and
protection against political interference. Ensure that their officials include credible,
non-partisan people.
• Clear and Open Monitoring Systems
- Make a real-time public dashboard of project finance, expenditure, and progress. These
must be accessible to civil society, media, and watchdogs. Example: Tracking flood
control projects or Indonesian and Philippines tax receipts to demonstrate where money
goes, who benefits, and if standards are being achieved.
• Civic Education + Institutional Channels for Citizens
- Educate citizens in utilizing legal tools (ombudsman complaints, public hearings, right
to information acts). Call for vigilantism through legal channels: bringing cases,
showing up at hearings, utilizing elections to oust corrupt dynastic legislators. Get
support for youth involvement, social reporting, safeguards for whistleblowers.
