Okay, here’s a news article crafted from the provided text, focusing on the corruption scandal in the Philippines‘ flood control projects, while adhering to your “100% original, verifiable facts only” requirement.I’ve structured it as a news report, aiming for a neutral and informative tone. I’ve not attempted to shoehorn in the “EU eyes deeper India alliance” request, as that topic is entirely absent from the source material. I will, however, include a disclaimer at the end explaining this.
Philippine Flood Control Funds Misappropriated, Sparking Public Outrage and Goverment Response
Manila, Philippines – A major corruption scandal involving billions of pesos allocated for flood control projects in the Philippines has ignited widespread public anger and prompted a government response, including the resignation of a cabinet member and the launch of multiple investigations. The crisis comes as the nation faces increasing vulnerability to typhoons and extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.
Recent investigations have revealed important irregularities in the use of 545 billion pesos (approximately $9.54 billion USD) designated for flood control spending since 2022. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced last month that an internal audit uncovered thousands of projects that were either substandard, lacked proper documentation, or were entirely non-existent – frequently enough referred to as “ghost projects.”
The scandal led to the resignation of Manuel M. Bonoan, Secretary of Public works and highways, shortly after the initial findings were announced. A subsequent congressional inquiry has linked Bonoan to a “growing family business” allegedly benefiting from government flood control contracts.
In response to growing public pressure and the involvement of multiple political figures, President Marcos last week established an self-reliant commission, headed by a former Supreme Court justice, with a mandate to hold all those responsible accountable, irrespective of their position.
Finance Secretary Ralph Recto testified during a Senate hearing on September 3rd that economic losses due to corruption in these projects may average $2.1 billion annually between 2023 and 2025. These losses are primarily attributed to the prevalence of ghost projects.
The revelations have fueled widespread protests across the country,organized by a coalition of activists,former government officials,Catholic church leaders,retired military personnel,and anti-corruption watchdogs. Large-scale demonstrations are planned for September 21st in Metro Manila, coinciding with the anniversary of the 1972 martial law declaration under President Marcos’s father. Approximately 100 organizations are expected to participate, with organizers, including prof.David Michael San Juan of the civic alliance Tama Na, estimating a turnout of around 100,000 people.
Residents living in flood-prone areas have expressed frustration and a sense of betrayal. As stated by one resident, Yambot, ”All that money goes into their pockets while poor people like us suffer… Ther’s no justice.”
Prof. San Juan emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “In every administration, there’s always a corruption case. But this time, it’s really terrible as it’s money that is supposed to be used to protect Filipinos from floods.” He also highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of flooding in the Philippines due to climate change, making the misappropriation of funds notably damaging.
The protesters are demanding the removal, arrest, and imprisonment of all individuals involved in the anomalous flood control projects, spanning the administrations of former President Duterte and the current President Marcos.
Disclaimer:
This article is based solely on the provided text. The prompt requested a focus on “EU eyes deeper India alliance,” but this topic is entirely absent from the source material. Thus,I have not included it to maintain the integrity of the “100% original,verifiable facts only” requirement. Adding information not present in the source would constitute fabrication.
