Mon Nov 24 04:19:51 UTC 2025: Summary:
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is cracking down on a massive corruption scandal involving flood control projects. Seven suspects have been detained, including a former congressman, with more arrests expected. The scandal involves billions of pesos allegedly lost to substandard or non-existent projects, with kickbacks paid to politicians and officials. The probe extends to projects initiated under the previous administration, and the public is outraged, with protests planned. Key political figures, including the President’s cousin and former Senate President, are implicated, though they deny wrongdoing.
News Article:
Philippines Launches Crackdown on Massive Flood Control Corruption Scandal
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – November 24, 2025 – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a sweeping crackdown on corruption within flood control projects, leading to the detention of seven suspects and a nationwide search for others implicated in the multi-billion peso scandal. The scandal involves allegations of kickbacks, substandard construction, and outright abandonment of crucial flood mitigation infrastructure, leaving the country vulnerable to increasingly severe weather events.
The first wave of indictments includes Zaldy Co, a former member of the House of Representatives, and several public works engineers. Authorities allege these individuals were central to siphoning funds through fraudulent contracts with construction companies, including Sunwest Corp., reportedly linked to Co’s family.
“My advice to the remaining suspects is for all of you to surrender,” President Marcos stated in a social media post earlier today. “This will continue, we will not stop.”
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla warned that authorities would pursue suspects worldwide, revealing that three individuals are believed to be seeking refuge in the United States, New Zealand, and Jordan.
The scandal has triggered widespread public outrage, fueled by revelations of lavish lifestyles among those suspected of involvement. A major protest is planned for November 30, with support from the influential Roman Catholic Church. Several prominent politicians have been implicated, including Rep. Martin Romualdez, President Marcos’ cousin, and former Senate President Chiz Escudero, both of whom deny any wrongdoing.
The investigation spans projects initiated under Marcos’ predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto estimated that as much as 118.5 billion pesos ($2 billion) may have been lost to corruption since 2023 alone. The probe is ongoing, with promises of more arrests and prosecutions in the coming weeks.
First Piper 