Tens of thousands protested in Manila over a corruption scandal involving costly “ghost” flood-control projects, leading to scattered clashes with police and the arrest of at least 17 people.

Demonstrators demanded prosecution of officials and contractors accused of siphoning billions of pesos, while some police were injured.

The protest coincided with the anniversary of martial law under Ferdinand Marcos Sr., with organizers calling for lasting reforms to prevent corruption, Al-Jazeera has reported.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledged the public’s anger and urged peaceful demonstrations, while an independent commission investigates the projects.