Philippines flood control corruption
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an independent commission to investigate alleged massive corruption in the Philippines' flood control projects on March 12, 2026, targeting anomalies described as potentially 'of the grandest kind' with billions of pesos lost annually. As of March 12, 2026, the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) submitted extensive documents to the Office of the Ombudsman, and the government vows to file criminal charges against implicated officials. The Philippine government is also coordinating with Portuguese authorities via Interpol for the arrest and return of former Congressman Elizaldy S. Co, wanted for graft and malversation charges related to an anomalous P289.4-million project. The Sandiganbayan has ordered the seizure of at least 16 real properties belonging to Zaldy Co to secure potential payment of P215 million in civil liability. Meanwhile, the Sandiganbayan denied bail petitions for nine former DPWH officials in Mimaropa concerning a P289.5-million substandard project, and only four out of nine senators have signed the partial Senate blue ribbon committee report on flood control inquiries.
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2026
50 updatesPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an independent commission to investigate alleged massive corruption in the Philippines' flood control projects. The probe targets anomalies described as potentially 'of the grandest kind,' including substandard materials, 'ghost' projects, and significant kickbacks, with billions of pesos lost annually. The government vows to file criminal charges against implicated officials and lawmakers.
via PNA
The Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) has submitted truckloads of documents related to its investigation of alleged anomalies in flood control projects to the Office of the Ombudsman. These documents were transported by Philippine National Police (PNP) vehicles and a logistics company. The ICI was created by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in September 2025 to investigate irregularities in flood control and other infrastructure projects.
As of March 11, 2026, only four out of nine senators have signed the partial Senate blue ribbon committee report on flood control inquiries, with Senator Ping Lacson hoping for more signatures. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has also ordered the arrest of two contractors who failed to attend its hearing on flood control management.
The Philippine government is coordinating with Portuguese authorities through Interpol to arrest and return former Congressman Elizaldy S. Co, who is a fugitive in a high-profile flood control and infrastructure scandal. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. stated that international support has been requested. Mr. Co is wanted for graft and malversation charges related to an allegedly anomalous P289.4-million project.
The Sandiganbayan denied the bail petitions of nine former DPWH officials in Mimaropa in connection with a P289.5-million substandard flood control project. Separately, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is finalizing its report on alleged irregularities in flood control projects and will submit findings to the DOJ and Ombudsman. Senator Ping Lacson stated that four out of nine senators have signed the partial Senate blue ribbon committee report, which recommends an investigation into individuals linked to anomalous projects.
via Philstar.com·Politiko
Senator Bam Aquino is the sole signatory on a draft panel report recommending preliminary investigations into anomalous flood control projects, which implicates three incumbent senators. Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson revealed this during a privilege speech addressing delays in the Senate blue ribbon committee's report.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian noted significant delays in the DPWH's bidding process for 2026 infrastructure projects, attributing the slowdown to lingering effects from flood control controversies. Meanwhile, the DPWH has initiated an internal corruption probe in Abra focusing on alleged multibillion-peso fraud in infrastructure projects. Senator Rodante Marcoleta criticized the delay in issuing a committee report on the flood control scandal and questioned evidence linking former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The Sandiganbayan has ordered the seizure of at least 16 real properties belonging to former House appropriations panel chairperson Zaldy Co. This action aims to secure potential payment of P215 million in civil liability should Co be convicted in a case involving a substandard flood control project.
via GMA News Online
The Department of Justice will resume its preliminary investigation on March 9, 2026, into a plunder complaint against Senator Jinggoy Estrada and co-respondents concerning alleged flood control project irregularities. A panel of prosecutors is set to receive the respondents' counter-affidavits during the hearing.
via news.com.au
Cavite Representative Kiko Barzaga expressed frustration on March 7, 2026, over the perceived lack of accountability in flood control projects, stating, "World War 3 already, yet no one has gone to jail over flood control." Meanwhile, the Department of Justice announced on December 5, 2025, that three of five flood control cases against DPWH officials in Bulacan are ready for resolution. A Senate probe launched on August 19, 2025, into multibillion-peso flood control projects uncovered alleged "ghost projects" and favoritism.
via Diskurso.ph·DOJ·PNA
Vice President Sara Duterte criticized the silence of civil society groups regarding corruption allegations in infrastructure and flood control projects. She commended former security personnel of Zaldy Co who alleged they served as 'bagmen' for kickbacks amounting to P805 billion to lawmakers and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Former senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. has filed a petition for bail with the Sandiganbayan Third Division concerning a malversation case linked to an alleged anomalous P92.8-million flood control project. Bail hearings are scheduled to commence on April 6, 2026, with prosecutors intending to present 20 witnesses.
Former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo will testify for the prosecution in the malversation case against resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and 15 others concerning an allegedly substandard P289 million flood control project. Bernardo previously accused Co, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, and ex-senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. and Nancy Binay of involvement in a kickback scheme.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is launching a probe into allegations that flood control funds were diverted to International Criminal Court (ICC) investigators. The investigation stems from claims by 18 individuals identifying as former Philippine Marines, who also implicated former Representative Zaldy Co in ordering the fund transfer.
via DZRH·straitstimes.com
Eighteen individuals claiming to be former Marines have alleged that they delivered cash kickbacks from flood control projects to former Representative Zaldy Co, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Separately, the Office of the Ombudsman has ordered an expedited investigation into alleged irregularities concerning flood-control projects linked to former Senator Nancy Binay, following sworn statements from a former DPWH undersecretary.
via philstar.com
The Sandiganbayan has commenced its first trial concerning a P289.5 million malversation case related to flood control projects, naming former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co as a respondent. Concurrently, lawyers have petitioned the Supreme Court to compel the Senate to release its draft report on the investigation into anomalous flood control projects, seeking to preserve all versions of the document.
The Sandiganbayan has issued a precautionary hold departure order against Benguet Representative Eric Yap and former ACT-CIS Representative Edvic Yap, preventing them from leaving the Philippines due to alleged involvement in the flood control corruption scandal. Separately, lawyers have petitioned the Supreme Court to compel the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to release its draft report on the investigation into anomalous flood control projects, seeking to preserve all versions of the report.
via mexc.com·Philstar.com·PNA
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), tasked with investigating multibillion-peso flood control project corruption, may have its fate decided this week as Malacañang is expected to act on its accomplishment report. The ICI was created in July 2025 by President Marcos to investigate questionable projects over the past decade and recommend charges.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has launched an internal corruption probe in Abra province, investigating alleged multibillion-peso fraud and kickbacks in government infrastructure projects. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed that an initial investigation has found evidence of wrongdoing.
via Inquirer.net·scmp.com
Senator Panfilo Lacson has raised questions about the claims made by 18 individuals alleging to be former Philippine Marines, who reported delivering P805 billion in kickbacks for flood control projects. Lacson expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of such a large-scale cash operation, emphasizing the need to ensure the credibility of testimonies.
Three lawyers have petitioned the Supreme Court to compel the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to release its draft report on flood control anomalies, which allegedly recommends charges against several senators and former officials. Separately, a Senate bill proposes a comprehensive reorganization of the Department of Public Works and Highways to combat corruption and streamline procurement processes. Four former DPWH officials have also been named respondents in a complaint against former Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. concerning allegedly anomalous flood control projects.
The Philippines has fallen to its lowest ranking since 2012 on the global Corruption Perceptions Index, scoring 32 out of 100. This decline is attributed to ongoing controversies surrounding multibillion-peso flood control projects, which have led to investigations and fraud audits uncovering billions lost to substandard or "ghost" works. The scandal has impacted investor confidence and economic growth, with GDP slowing to 4.4% in 2025.
via gulfnews.com
The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) expressed disappointment with the government's handling of the alleged ₱1 trillion flood control scandal, noting a lack of concrete solutions and that whistleblowers are being targeted. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro defended the government's adherence to due process and the rule of law, urging the public to await investigation outcomes.
Luxury vehicles linked to flood control contractors have been auctioned, generating over ₱102 million for public funds. Nine of thirteen seized vehicles connected to contractors known as the "king and queen of flood control" were successfully auctioned by the Philippine Bureau of Customs. These contractors were allegedly involved in ghost projects and paid kickbacks to government officials.
The religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) expressed concern over the lack of concrete solutions to the flood control scandal, stating that instead of pursuing culprits, those providing information are being targeted. Spokesperson Edwil Zabala highlighted that the over trillion-peso funds allocated for flood control projects remain untraced.
via GMA News Online
A leftist party, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), has stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. must be held accountable for flood control anomalies, drawing parallels to his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. The party criticizes the ongoing investigations, suggesting they have stalled and that key players are evading justice. President Marcos Jr. initiated a crackdown on anomalies in flood control and infrastructure projects in July 2025, leading to investigations by both houses.
Eighteen former Philippine Marines have alleged that they delivered cash kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects totaling $13.9 billion to high-profile officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The Philippines' global Corruption Perceptions Index ranking has declined to 120th out of 182 countries with a score of 32 out of 100.
A bill has been filed in the Philippines House of Representatives to prohibit companies linked to public officials from participating in government procurement. This proposed legislation, the Anti-Contractor Bill, aims to amend the New Government Procurement Act and prevent corruption in flood control and infrastructure projects.
Eighteen former Philippine Marines have alleged that kickbacks from flood control projects, amounting to $13.9 billion, were delivered to residences linked to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Additionally, four former Department of Public Works and Highways officials have been named respondents in a complaint against former senator Ramon Revilla Jr. concerning anomalous flood control projects, with the NBI filing a motion to include them.
Thousands protested in Manila on February 25, 2026, demanding accountability for alleged corruption in flood control projects. On the same day, the Philippine Senate Blue Ribbon Committee ordered the arrest of two contractors who failed to attend hearings related to the ongoing probe into widespread corruption in government flood control projects.
Greenpeace Philippines has joined calls for high-ranking officials implicated in the flood control scandal to step down. The organization is demanding swift, independent investigations, prosecution, and dismissal of those involved. Greenpeace Climate Campaigner Virginia Benosa-Llorin stated that corruption is undermining the nation's ability to survive climate change, as funds meant to protect communities from floods were allegedly stolen.
Eighteen former Philippine Marines have corroborated claims of massive cash deliveries involving high-level officials, including President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The ex-servicemen alleged they delivered kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects to resigned AKO Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, President Marcos Jr., and Romualdez. These allegations are contained in a joint affidavit and suggest a scheme involving approximately ₱805 billion.
via Gulf News·youtube.com
Eighteen former Marines have alleged that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez are involved in a $13.9 billion flood control kickback scheme. These claims, surfacing on February 25, 2026, intensify the ongoing Senate investigation into thousands of anomalous infrastructure projects.
Newly appointed NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed the retention and enhancement of the special task force investigating anomalous flood control projects, stating that criminal complaints have been filed against senators and public works officials. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla denied statements attributed to him regarding the scandal as 'fake news' and confirmed authorities are preparing for suspect arrests.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has labeled a viral post about the flood control scandal as 'fake news' and denied attributing statements to himself. Authorities are preparing for suspect arrests, with the Philippine National Police ready to implement any issued orders.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla urged the public to scrutinize court proceedings for flood control corruption cases, stating that corruption in the Philippines is systemic and involves multiple institutions, including the judiciary. The newly sworn NBI chief, Director Melvin A. Matibag, confirmed that the NBI will maintain and strengthen its existing systems for the ongoing flood control investigation, with plans to enhance and protect its current systems.
Four former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials have been named respondents in a complaint concerning anomalous flood control projects. A contractor implicated in the scandal, Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc., is reportedly building a project on reclaimed land in Laguna de Bay. The ongoing corruption scandal has led to the Philippines falling to its lowest ranking in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index and prompted the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to cut its benchmark interest rate to stimulate confidence.
Four former Department of Public Works and Highways officials have been named respondents in a complaint regarding anomalous flood control projects. The National Bureau of Investigation filed a motion to include them, and the preliminary investigation has been rescheduled to March 3. The implicated officials will be subpoenaed to submit their counter-affidavits.
A contractor implicated in the ongoing flood control anomalies investigation has been found to be constructing structures along the shores of Laguna de Bay. This new information adds another dimension to the scandal, suggesting potential ongoing illicit activities by parties involved.
via Philstar.com
The Commission on Audit has requested an investigation into P275 million in flood control projects in Bulacan due to alleged irregularities. The Department of Public Works and Highways has submitted additional high-profile names to the Ombudsman in connection with anomalous projects in Bulacan and Davao Occidental. Furthermore, a Manila court has issued a precautionary hold departure order against Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former DPWH officials.
The Commission on Audit has requested an investigation into P275 million in flood control projects in Bulacan due to alleged irregularities including ghost works and payments for existing structures. These projects were awarded to SYMS Construction Trading and Wawao Builders. Corruption in Philippine flood control projects has cost an estimated 42.3–118.5 billion pesos annually since 2023, with billions allegedly stolen between 2016 and 2025.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) expects to submit its report on the investigation into flood control projects in Cebu to the Office of the Ombudsman by the end of February. This investigation was prompted by a series of tropical cyclones that affected the province.
via pna.gov.ph
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's partial report on the flood control anomalies investigation was presented, recommending preliminary investigations for Senators Escudero, Villanueva, and Estrada. The Department of Justice is also investigating Romualdez in connection with the scandal.
via gmanetwork.com·imtnews.ph·en.wikipedia.org·globalsourcepartners.com
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is set to recommend preliminary investigations for senators implicated in the flood control scandal, a shift from potentially recommending direct charges. This revised approach was clarified by Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson, who explained the wording change in the draft report.
via philstar.com
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's draft report on flood control anomalies was finalized, with a softened wording that recommends Senators Francis Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Jinggoy Estrada undergo preliminary investigation rather than be directly charged. Committee chair Panfilo Lacson clarified that substantive findings remained unchanged, with revisions focused on clarifying terminology.
via gmanetwork.com·imtnews.ph·en.wikipedia.org·globalsourcepartners.com
The Sandiganbayan has postponed the arraignment and pre-trial of former Senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr. for the second time regarding an alleged P92.8-million flood control project. The proceedings are now scheduled for February 16, pending the resolution of Revilla's motions for reconsideration.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson stated that the draft partial committee report on the flood control probe was still a work in progress, with potential changes in wording but not substance. The report recommended Senators Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, and Joel Villanueva for preliminary investigation, and also implicated former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
via gmanetwork.com·imtnews.ph·en.wikipedia.org·globalsourcepartners.com
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has frozen approximately P25 billion in assets connected to alleged corruption within government-funded flood control projects. This action follows a directive that targeted contractors involved in the scandal, leading to the freezing of bank accounts, e-wallets, and insurance policies.
via gmanetwork.com
The COA's fraud audit reports flagged projects awarded to Wawao Builders and Darcy and Anna Builders & Trading, detailing issues such as structures not built at approved sites, relocation without authority, and inconsistencies in project locations and measurements.
via gmanetwork.com·imtnews.ph·en.wikipedia.org·globalsourcepartners.com
The Commission on Audit (COA) completed fraud audit reports on four flood control projects in Bulacan, totaling over P325 million, citing ghost projects, unauthorized relocations, and payments for non-existent or pre-existing structures. These reports were filed with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
via gmanetwork.com·imtnews.ph·en.wikipedia.org·globalsourcepartners.com
2025
16 updates
2025
16 updatesThe Department of Public Works and Highways recommended the filing of charges for plunder, malversation, graft, and bribery against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and 86 other individuals in connection with the flood control corruption scandal.
via gmanetwork.com·imtnews.ph·en.wikipedia.org·globalsourcepartners.com
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is nearing a resolution in flood control corruption cases, with three out of five cases against former DPWH Bulacan officials submitted for resolution by December 15, 2025. The remaining two cases are delayed due to new respondents and evidence, including former Senator Bong Revilla.
via Department of Justice (Philippines)·apnews.com·cids.up.edu.ph
Philippine prosecutors have filed the first criminal charges in a corruption scandal involving bogus flood control projects against former congressman Elizaldy Co and others, including charges of falsification of documents, misuse of public funds, and graft. Two ministers resigned amid the investigation, and former government engineers alleged that projects were substandard to facilitate kickbacks.
via scmp.com
Two Philippine ministers resigned on November 18, 2025, amid an investigation into billions of dollars in missing funds for anti-flooding infrastructure. The Department of Justice announced on December 5, 2025, that three of five flood control cases against former DPWH officials in Bulacan are ready for resolution, with expected outcomes before December 15, 2025. A Senate inquiry on September 23, 2025, heard testimony alleging substandard or overpriced projects to facilitate kickbacks.
The Office of the Ombudsman announced it was investigating alleged corruption in flood control projects that may have benefited the Villar family's property businesses. Former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo alleged a kickback scheme involving Mark Villar, Manuel Bonoan, and Cathy Cabral.
via gmanetwork.com·imtnews.ph·en.wikipedia.org·globalsourcepartners.com
A report detailed the Philippine flood control scandal as a major corruption crisis, exposing wasted funds and institutional decay. Investigations by Congress, COA, and whistleblowers pointed to collusion among politicians, DPWH officials, and contractors, with Bulacan as the epicenter. High-profile politicians were implicated, and the scandal resulted in an estimated P118.5 billion lost between 2023 and 2025.
via gmanetwork.com·imtnews.ph·en.wikipedia.org·globalsourcepartners.com
The COA reported that officials and contractors from the DPWH in Bulacan could face graft and malversation charges over P360 million in flood control projects, based on fraud audit reports submitted to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
via gmanetwork.com·imtnews.ph·en.wikipedia.org·globalsourcepartners.com
The Commission on Audit (COA) identified four flood control projects in Bulacan, totaling P389.6 million, and submitted fraud audit reports concerning them to the Office of the Ombudsman.
via gmanetwork.com·imtnews.ph·en.wikipedia.org·globalsourcepartners.com
Greenpeace Philippines has called alleged massive corruption in flood control projects an "obscene plunder" of climate funds. The environmental group estimates that as much as PHP 1.089 trillion could have been lost to corruption since 2023, with PHP 560 billion potentially lost in 2025 alone. They highlighted PHP 173 billion of the DPWH's PHP 248 billion flood-related projects in 2025 as vulnerable to corruption.
The Philippine Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has ordered the arrest of two contractors who failed to attend a hearing on flood control management. Additionally, two ministers in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s cabinet have resigned amid allegations related to "ghost" infrastructure projects and missing government funds, with their departments mentioned in the probe.
The Philippine Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has ordered the arrest of two contractors who failed to attend a hearing investigating alleged corruption in government flood control projects. Meanwhile, a contractor implicated in ghost flood control projects is reportedly building on reclaimed land in Laguna de Bay, with the firm awarded millions for alleged ghost projects and slope protection in Bulacan.
The Philippine Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has ordered the arrest of two contractors who failed to attend a hearing on flood control management corruption. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to order the creation of an independent commission to consolidate investigations into graft in flood control projects. The Department of Justice has advanced its investigation, with resolutions expected by mid-December 2025 for three cases against DPWH officials in Bulacan.
Former government engineers testified before a Senate inquiry that flood control projects in Bulacan province were substandard or overpriced to facilitate kickbacks for officials. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously stated that over 6,000 flood control projects implemented during his term have inadequate specifications.
Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero warned contractors linked to questionable flood control projects to attend the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on September 1, stating that failure to comply with subpoenas could lead to arrest.
via gmanetwork.com·imtnews.ph·en.wikipedia.org·globalsourcepartners.com
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee officially opened its inquiry into alleged anomalies in flood control projects. Senators highlighted reports of "ghost" projects, substandard work, and contract concentration among favored contractors. DPWH officials acknowledged reports of "ghost" projects in Bulacan, particularly those linked to Wawao Builders, which allegedly received P9 billion in contracts nationwide, with P5.9 billion in Bulacan alone.
via gmanetwork.com·imtnews.ph·en.wikipedia.org·globalsourcepartners.com
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee announced its intention to launch a probe into alleged anomalies in multi-billion peso flood control projects, citing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s disclosure that a small number of contractors had secured a disproportionate share of the P545 billion budget. The investigation, dubbed "Philippines Under Water," was set to begin on August 19, 2025.
via gmanetwork.com·imtnews.ph·en.wikipedia.org·globalsourcepartners.com
2024
1 update
2024
1 updateThe Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has suspended all bidding for locally funded flood control projects in the Philippines amid ongoing corruption investigations. The agency is also blacklisting contractors involved in fraudulent and substandard projects, aiming to restore public trust and ensure effective use of funds.
2025
Story began · 7 months ago