Flood control corruption has emerged as one of the most alarming scandals in the Philippines this year. What was supposed to be a lifeline against worsening floods has instead become a sinkhole for public funds, leaving communities vulnerable while billions of pesos vanish into questionable projects.
The Scale of Flood Control Corruption
An internal government audit uncovered that since 2022, more than ₱545 billion (around US $9.6 billion) was funneled into flood-control projects that were either substandard, overpriced, or entirely non-existent. Even more shocking, just 15 contractors cornered 20% of the total budget, with several projects posting identical costs despite being in different locations. These findings triggered outrage in Congress and across the public sphere, raising fresh calls for accountability.
Legislative hearings have revealed disturbing details. The Senate grilled prominent contractors, including those tied to fleets of luxury vehicles, over so-called “ghost projects”. Some witnesses refused to answer, citing their right against self-incrimination. At the same time, the Commission on Audit began a fraud probe into projects in Bulacan, a province that alone absorbed nearly half of Central Luzon’s flood-control spending.
Reform Moves and Leadership Promises
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. responded by suspending all bidding for locally funded flood-control projects and demanding courtesy resignations from Department of Public Works and Highways officials. Newly appointed DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon announced plans to blacklist implicated contractors. While these moves signal urgency, many Filipinos question whether they will translate into real reform or fade as political theater.
The Department of Finance estimates that “ghost” projects drained over ₱100 billion from the economy between 2023 and 2025. Senator Panfilo Lacson underscored the imbalance, warning that as little as 40% of allocations go into actual construction, while the rest disappears into kickbacks and padded contracts.
Public Outcry and the Human Toll
Beyond the numbers, the consequences are stark. Despite this year’s ₱308 billion flood-control allocation, flooding in Metro Manila, Laguna, and other vulnerable areas worsened, with poorly planned or fake projects failing to protect residents. Communities at the frontlines of typhoons and monsoon rains pay the highest price for corruption at the top.
