Mon Nov 24 05:59:23 UTC 2025: Philippines: Arrests Made in $2 Billion ‘Ghost’ Flood Control Project Scandal

Manila, Philippines – Seven individuals have been arrested in the Philippines in connection to a massive corruption scandal involving nonexistent flood control projects estimated to have cost the country $2 billion (118.5 billion pesos). The arrests, announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., follow widespread public outrage and protests in September that demanded accountability for the “ghost” infrastructure projects.

The suspects are among more than a dozen people indicted by the Sandiganbayan, a special anti-corruption court, as part of the initial probes into the scam. President Marcos has warned that anyone found aiding the fugitives will also be prosecuted. Among those named is former House Representative Zaldy Co, whose family allegedly owns Sunwest Corporation, the construction firm contracted for a dike project on the Mag-asawang Tubig River in Oriental Mindoro province, now under scrutiny.

Authorities are pursuing other suspects, including Co, believed to be abroad, with Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla vowing to find them “no matter where you are in the world.” Philippine media has reported that eight officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), including regional directors and engineers, are among those in custody.

President Marcos has promised a wave of criminal lawsuits targeting implicated senators, house members, and wealthy construction company owners, hinting at possible convictions by Christmas. The scandal has triggered massive protests fueled by displays of wealth by the alleged perpetrators.

The controversy comes as the Philippines, an archipelago nation prone to flooding, grapples with the devastating consequences of climate change, including increasingly severe tropical storms. Critics argue that the corruption has left vulnerable communities without necessary flood protection, exacerbating the impact of recent super typhoons that claimed over 250 lives. A demonstration backed by the Catholic Church is planned for November 30. Prominent figures like Representative Martin Romualdez and former Senate President Francis Escudero have been implicated, both denying any involvement.

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