MANILA — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Monday (Nov 24) that authorities have detained seven suspects linked to a massive corruption scandal involving flood control projects across the country, with several more individuals still being tracked down.
The scandal, which has fueled widespread public anger, centers on allegations of large-scale graft in government-funded flood control infrastructure—many of which were found to be substandard or never built at all. Corruption has long plagued the Philippines, a nation vulnerable to deadly floods and extreme weather. Notably, two former presidents, including Marcos’ late father, were previously ousted through peaceful uprisings tied to corruption and abuse of power.
First Wave of Charges Filed
The Sandiganbayan, the country’s anti-corruption court, has indicted the first batch of over a dozen suspects. Those charged include former congressman Zaldy Co and several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers. This is only the beginning, with dozens more graft and corruption cases expected in the coming weeks. Marcos has vowed to ensure implicated senators, lawmakers, and businessmen face charges before Christmas.
The initial case involves questionable flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro, including a ₱289-million (US$4.8 million) river dyke awarded to Sunwest, a construction firm that authorities say is owned by Co’s family.
Arrests and Surrenders Over the Weekend
According to Marcos, one suspect was arrested in a Quezon City home where several individuals were also detained for allegedly helping conceal him. Six other suspects surrendered to police over the weekend.
“My advice to the remaining suspects: surrender. Don’t wait for authorities to track you down. This will continue — we will not stop,” Marcos said in a Facebook post.
International Search Underway
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla reported that Zaldy Co’s whereabouts remain unknown, though he is believed to be outside the Philippines. He added that three other suspects are considering surrendering at Philippine embassies in the United States, New Zealand, and Jordan, after which they would be repatriated.
“No matter where you are in the world, we will find you,” Remulla warned, as authorities presented mugshots of arrested suspects wearing orange detainee uniforms.
Wider Network of Alleged Kickbacks
Senate hearings and an independent fact-finding commission have revealed testimony alleging that both former and current senators and House members received large kickbacks from favored contractors who secured flood control deals for years. Several DPWH officials and engineers have also admitted involvement in arranging these transactions.
The luxurious lifestyles of key suspects — boasting mansions, suitcases of cash, fleets of luxury vehicles, and private jets — have intensified public outrage. A major protest scheduled for Nov 30, supported by the influential Roman Catholic Church, is expected to draw large crowds.
High-Profile Politicians Implicated
Among those named in testimonies is Rep. Martin Romualdez, Marcos’ cousin and political ally, who has denied the allegations but resigned as Speaker of the House. Former Senate President Chiz Escudero also stepped down after facing accusations but has strongly denied wrongdoing.
Marcos’ aides have rejected claims linking the president to the scandal, noting that he publicly raised concerns about flood control irregularities during his State of the Nation Address in July.
Nearly 10,000 Projects Under Probe
Authorities are now reviewing 9,855 flood control projects worth over ₱545 billion that were funded since Marcos took office in mid-2022. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto previously estimated that up to ₱118.5 billion may have been lost to corruption since 2023.
Officials also confirmed that irregularities may date back to the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, and projects from that period will likewise be investigated.
