Flood control failures and the long wait for accountability

Flooding caused by heavy rains has long been attributed to clogged drainage and improper waste disposal. While individual behavior plays a role, recent developments have shifted attention to a far more consequential issue: the integrity of government flood control projects meant to protect communities in the first place.

Public scrutiny intensified after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), disclosed alleged corruption in flood control projects. He pointed to possible irregularities involving major contractors, lawmakers, and government officials, and ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways to submit a list of flood control projects “started or completed in the last three years” for review.

In August, President Marcos disclosed that 15 contractors had obtained a combined P100 billion in flood control projects since 2022, including projects in areas not considered highly vulnerable to flooding. He also stepped up accountability efforts by rolling out the Sumbong sa Pangulo program, which invites the public to directly report anomalies and failed flood-control works to Malacañang. The initiative reflected mounting concern over whether massive flood-mitigation spending was translating into tangible results on the ground.

As questions mounted, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero confirmed receiving a P30-million campaign contribution from a government contractor in 2022, while denying any role in securing flood control projects for the donor after the elections. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, meanwhile, said no senator had been linked to the 15 contractors flagged in the controversy.

Attention also turned to former House appropriations committee chair Zaldy Co, who has yet to return to the country as allegations connected to his name continue to surface. These include claims of P13.8 billion in budget insertions and a failed attempt to import 3,000 containers of fish—issues now under public and congressional scrutiny.

Public frustration manifested in street protests such as Baha sa Luneta and the Trillion-Peso March, reflecting widespread anger over repeated flooding and perceived failures in governance. Organized by various civic, environmental, labor, and church-based groups, the demonstrations called for transparency, accountability, and concrete action on flood control spending.

Despite early expectations that exposing alleged corruption would accelerate investigations, progress has appeared slow. By Christmas, even as assurances were made that those responsible would be held to account, no major cases had reached resolution—fueling disappointment and questions about enforcement.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) held its final hearing for the year on 15 December. Asked about the President’s earlier timeline, an ICI spokesperson said investigations were ongoing and urged the public to wait, noting that cases were being prioritized by the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman.