Historic Corruption Scandal Rocks Philippine Government
A massive investigation into what appears to be the largest looting of public funds in recent Philippine history is rapidly unfolding, with the trail potentially leading to the highest levels of government. The flood control funds scandal involves billions of pesos allegedly siphoned through various schemes involving substandard and ghost projects.
Expanding List of Officials Under Investigation
The scope of the investigation continues to widen as new disclosures emerge. Currently, the probe includes 9 senators, 22 current and former House members, 10 national government officials, five Cabinet and Cabinet-rank secretaries, 4 undersecretaries, one Constitutional Commission member, one special envoy, and at least 40 DPWH officials. The number of individuals involved keeps increasing as more evidence surfaces.
Arrest warrants are now being issued against Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co, a former congressman, and 15 other individuals connected to the scandal. The investigation appears to be closing in on what sources describe as the "mastermind and aides" - the main plotters behind this gargantuan theft of public money.
High-Profile Resignations Fuel Speculation
The recent resignations of two key officials have intensified speculation that investigators are getting closer to identifying the central figures behind the scheme. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amanah Pangandaman both stepped down from their positions, with their departures directly linked to the unfolding scandal.
Social media platforms are buzzing with speculation that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. might be connected to the scandal, either through direct involvement or through failure to prevent the massive theft occurring under his administration. The theories suggest either the President was unaware of the looting - raising questions about his competence - or was involved in a collusion that required participation from agencies under his control.
Staggering Financial Losses Revealed
The total amount stolen remains unconfirmed, but the budget figures involved are astronomical. From July 2022 to May 2024 alone, the flood control budget amounted to P849 billion, while the total budget from 2022 to 2025 reached P1.32 trillion.
Testimonies from witnesses indicate that corruption involved percentages ranging from 25% to 40% on substandard projects to 100% on completely fictitious ghost projects. The distribution of loot allegedly involved millions of pesos in cash being stuffed into bags and luggage for delivery to participants in the scheme.
It's important to note that these budget figures cover President Marcos Jr.'s term beginning in 2022. Budget amounts from 2016 under former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration have not yet been made public.
Local Officials Face Scrutiny and Public Pressure
Governors, mayors, and congressional representatives across the Philippines are now under pressure to account for flood control projects in their respective jurisdictions. They face potential condemnation and sanctions if they fail to properly review and report on project status and spending.
In Cebu particularly, most local officials, especially House members, have remained notably silent about the state of their flood control projects. Constituents are demanding answers about project existence, locations, current status, and expenditure details.
Proper accounting and review of each project could help reassure citizens that their local government units and congressional representatives did not participate in the theft of flood control funds affecting their provinces, cities, towns, or districts.
