Citizens advised to immediately disclose ghost flood projects that have failed to ordinary citizens, directly to President Marcos
The Philippine government is actively pursuing an anti-corruption drive in its flood control projects, focusing on investigating failed, unfinished, or "ghost" projects. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for public reporting of these dubious projects and highlighted alarming irregularities, such as over 64% of flood control projects having unclear descriptions or identical contract costs despite being distinct projects [1].
Since July 2022, a total of ₱545 billion has been allocated for flood mitigation, yet ₱100 billion (18%) has gone to just 15 contractors out of 2,409 accredited, suggesting concentration and possible favoritism in awarding contracts [1]. This concentration has raised concerns, particularly in light of cases such as the ₱1.22-billion Cabangan-Sta. Maria Bridge scandal, which exposed substandard materials and questionable contracts, underscoring systemic corruption issues including kickbacks, overpricing, and collusion among contractors, lawmakers, and officials [1][4].
Senator Panfilo Lacson has publicly detailed widespread corruption in flood control projects, referring to the "flooded gates of corruption," and called attention to projects having identical budgets despite being distinct, further highlighting irregularities demanding urgent scrutiny and reform [2][5]. Meanwhile, calls to abolish the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have emerged as a measure to curb corruption and improve flood control outcomes, indicating deep structural distrust in existing institutions [3].
President Marcos Jr. is considering charges of economic sabotage against contractors involved in ghost projects, showing government intent to pursue legal remedies against corrupt practices in flood control [4]. However, the entrenchment of political dynasties and weak enforcement mechanisms remain significant obstacles to fully resolving these corruption problems [1].
In a bid to promote transparency, the President has launched the interactive website "Sumbong sa Pangulo" on August 5, 2025. This platform allows Filipinos to report irregularities in flood control projects directly to the President, using a search filter or interactive map to locate projects in their area and report issues like damaged structures, missing equipment, or incomplete work, with the option to upload photos or videos anonymously [6].
The review of flood control projects will be carried out by Regional Project Monitoring Committees, including the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) and private partners, following Marcos' order for the DPWH to submit a comprehensive project list [7]. The platform lists 9,855 flood control projects implemented by the DPWH from July 2022 to May 2025, including construction or repair of cutoff channels, dikes, drainage systems, flood mitigation structures, retarding basins, revetments, slope protection, spur dikes, waterways, and embankments [7].
Despite numerous flood control projects, especially 157 pumping stations in Metro Manila costing ₱11.67 billion, the city and nearby provinces experienced severe flooding during recent typhoons, which the President attributes partly to ineffective garbage collection affecting these stations [8]. A 2025 survey highlights corruption as a top concern for Filipinos, particularly in projects like flood control, where up to 60% of funds may be lost to graft before construction begins [9].
Five contractors - Legacy Construction Corp., Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp., St. Timothy Construction Corp., EGB Construction Corp., and Road Edge Trading & Development Services - have projects spanning almost all regions nationwide and are under scrutiny [10]. Metro Manila leads in flood control projects with 1,058 projects totaling ₱52.57 billion, followed by Central Luzon and Bicol regions [11].
President Marcos has vowed to scrutinize projects, even if it involves allies, prioritizing public interest [1]. He emphasized the need for public involvement in his anti-corruption campaign, noting that government agencies alone cannot monitor nearly 10,000 projects [6].
References: [1] Rappler. (2025). Marcos' anti-corruption drive in flood control projects faces challenges. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/2995215-marcos-anticorruption-drive-flood-control-projects-faces-challenges [2] ABS-CBN News. (2025). Lacson details widespread corruption in flood control projects. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/08/25/lacson-details-widespread-corruption-in-flood-control-projects [3] Inquirer.net. (2025). Calls to abolish DPWH as measure to curb corruption in flood control. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1464452/calls-to-abolish-dpwh-as-measure-to-curb-corruption-in-flood-control [4] GMA News Online. (2025). Marcos Jr. considers charges of economic sabotage against contractors involved in ghost projects. Retrieved from https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/795469/marcos-jr-considers-charges-of-economic-sabotage-against-contractors-involved-in-ghost-projects/story/ [5] Manila Standard. (2025). Marcos Jr. vows to scrutinize projects, even if it involves allies. Retrieved from https://www.manilastandard.net/news/national/314016/marcos-jr-vows-to-scrutinize-projects-even-if-it-involves-allies/ [6] Philstar.com. (2025). President Marcos launches interactive website for public to report irregularities in flood control projects. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/08/05/2141979/president-marcos-launches-interactive-website-public-report-irregularities-flood-control [7] Philippine Star. (2025). DPWH to submit list of flood control projects for review. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/08/01/2141410/dpwh-submit-list-flood-control-projects-review [8] CNN Philippines. (2025). Marcos attributes severe flooding in Metro Manila to ineffective garbage collection. Retrieved from https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2025/08/06/Marcos-attributes-severe-flooding-in-Metro-Manila-to-ineffective-garbage-collection.html [9] Pulse Asia. (2025). Corruption remains top concern for Filipinos, survey shows. Retrieved from https://www.pulseasia.org/corruption-remains-top-concern-for-filipinos-survey-shows/ [10] BusinessWorld. (2025). Five contractors under scrutiny in Marcos' anti-corruption drive in flood control projects. Retrieved from https://www.bworldonline.com/five-contractors-under-scrutiny-in-marcos-anticorruption-drive-in-flood-control-projects/ [11] Philippine News Agency. (2025). Metro Manila leads in flood control projects, followed by Central Luzon and Bicol regions. Retrieved from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161494
- Amid the ongoing anti-corruption drive in flood control projects, the President has called for increased public scrutiny, emphasizing the need for Filipinos to report suspicious projects through the new platform "Sumbong sa Pangulo."
- While health, culture, and general news are important aspects of society, the ongoing political, economic, and social issues related to business, politics, and corruption in the implementation of flood control projects continue to raise significant concerns for the Filipino public.
- In the face of systemic corruption issues like kickbacks, overpricing, and collusion, Senator Panfilo Lacson has highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of flood control projects, focusing on addressing irregularities in contract awarding and project implementation.
