In recent months, the business and good-governance community has repeatedly spoken out about the massive flood control scandal and long-standing problems in government procurement. These concerns echo earlier controversies—from the ZTE broadband deal and the Napoles pork barrel scam to the Pharmally procurement case—as well as recurring irregularities in large-scale infrastructure projects.
Taken together, these cases reveal a troubling pattern: corruption flourishes where political patronage and dynastic influence intersect with opaque procurement processes, weak oversight, and poor accountability in the use of public funds.
Other countries have confronted similar challenges—and many have succeeded in reducing corruption by enforcing transparency in major projects, responding quickly to red flags, and clearly assigning institutional responsibility. The Philippines can—and must—do the same.
However, statements of concern are not enough. Now is the time to act. Business, professional and civil society groups should demand for urgent reforms to be implemented now to end the grim consequences of corruption whose magnitude has shocked the country. Decisive action can still be taken using existing laws, particularly the New Government Procurement Act (Republic Act No. 12009).
To safeguard public resources—especially in major infrastructure projects worth ₱50 million and above, aligned with the capabilities of the Modernized Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (mPhilGEPS) and the expanded mandate of the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB)—we propose the following time-bound reforms, to begin on January 1, 2026:
Clear Roles, Strong Institutions, Swift Justice
- The Office of the Ombudsman must remain focused on independent investigation, prosecution, and whistleblower protection.
- The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), or a comparable oversight mechanism, should lead compliance monitoring, transparency enforcement, and early-warning systems.
- The courts, particularly the Sandiganbayan and designated trial courts, must prioritize the swift resolution of major corruption cases; delays perpetuate impunity, signal tolerance for corruption, and erode public trust in the rule of law.
- The GPPB, chaired by the DBM Secretary, must ensure full implementation of RA 12009, including interconnection among BTr, BIR, DTI, SEC, COA, and LGUs, and activation of the Bureau of the Treasury Management System to track GAA disbursements to suppliers.
A Call to Act
We stand ready to support these reforms by sharing technical insights, participating in consultations, and assisting independent monitoring—always with full respect for institutional independence and the rule of law.
The window for reform is open and we should seize the momentum without delay.
