Manila protest against 'pork barrel' funds and second term for Aquino

Thousands of people including activists and clergy gathered in the Philippine capital's main park yesterday to denounce the "pork barrel" system of government funding which they blame for spreading corruption.

Organisers said almost 20,000 people joined the rally, but observers said the crowd was much smaller, with police putting it at about 5,000 at its peak.

The crowd, which included nuns, priests and lawyers, was significantly smaller than a similar rally last year which observers said drew at least 250,000.

That rally, called through a vigorous social media campaign, captured the outrage following reports of a scam involving tens of millions of dollars from the "pork barrel" funds of congressmen.

Such allocations are supposed to pay for the pet projects of legislators but large amounts were allegedly siphoned off. Three powerful senators have already been arrested over the controversy.

Influential Manila archbishop Cardinal Luis Tagle praised those taking part in the "march against pork" in a statement posted on a church social media site.