Philippines Launches Examination into Widespread Corruption in Flood Control Projects
MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos jr. announced Monday the formation of an independent commission to investigate alleged corruption surrounding flood control projects across the Philippines, following reports of substandard work and anomalies in thousands of initiatives aimed at mitigating flooding in vulnerable areas. The move comes amid growing public anger and a Senate inquiry into the awarding of lucrative government contracts.
The investigation was prompted by Marcos Jr.’s recent inspections of projects in provinces like Bulacan and Laguna, where he discovered instances of completed projects existing only on paper – such as a riverbank concreting project in Bulacan reported as finished despite no visible work being done. he stated, “I’m getting very angry,” after the Aug. 20 inspection.Marcos Jr. revealed that over 6,000 of the 9,000 flood control projects undertaken during his more than three years in office exhibit “inadequate or unusual specifications” warranting scrutiny. A website launched by the President to solicit public reports of potential irregularities has been overwhelmed with complaints.
The Senate has also begun its own inquiry. Senator Jinggoy Estrada raised concerns regarding Sarah Discaya, a former dental clinic receptionist and nurse, and her husband’s rapid accumulation of wealth through construction contracts, including numerous flood control projects. Estrada expressed disbelief at Discaya’s ownership of at least 28 high-end vehicles,stating,”It’s only now that I’ve heard of one person or a couple owning such a big number of very expensive cars.”
Discaya, under questioning, repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or use of bribery to secure contracts from the Department of Public Works and Highways, which has long faced allegations of corrupt practices.Neither Discaya nor her husband currently face specific charges.
Another contractor, Mark Allan Arevalo, invoked his right against self-incrimination when asked about “ghost” flood control projects, refusing to answer senators’ questions.
The growing concerns over corruption have resonated beyond the political sphere. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, a prominent Catholic Church leader, has urged young Filipinos to “expose injustice” and “make corruption shameful again.”
President Marcos Jr. has vowed to file criminal charges against those found responsible for corruption in the flood control projects. The independent commission’s findings are expected to determine the extent of the alleged wrongdoing and pave the way for prosecution.
