Outrage over the multi-billion peso flood control scandal is gaining ground with civil society organizations and individuals demanding systemic reform and hold government officials, politicians, private sector contractors accountable stressing, “We have had enough.”
A total of 264 civil society organizations and individuals composed of members from the church, scientific community, academe, civil society, business, military and uniformed personnel, labor, typhoon survivors, disaster response volunteers, and individuals of Filipinos For A Better Philippines, affixed their signatures in a joint statement “Filipinos Call for Systemic Reform After the Flood Control Scandal” issued Saturday, September 6.
“We have had enough. We need to escape this vicious cycle. We must reject the system of corruption that kills our fellow Filipinos and erodes our confidence in government. We express our outrage at government officials, politicontractors, private sector parties–and their family and relatives–who unabashedly flaunt their lavish lifestyles as they steal our hard-earned taxpayer money,” the statement read.
The groups demand a replacement of the corrupt system with a system of transparency, accountability, and people’s participation to “make it harder to be bad and easier to be good.”
Earlier, some 30 business organizations and concerned groups also issued a joint statement calling for the creation of an independent body to probe the flood control scandal, as they expressed fear that corrupt government officials, politicians and private sector contractors will just go on their merry making despite President Marcos’ public admonition.
Recommendations
To do this, the civil society groups recommended five actionable strategies that government must pursue to make corruption shameful again and to ensure punishment for the perpetrators.
Foremost, the DPWH and DBM are asked to redo the 2026 budget proposals by convening an independent multisectoral review committee of scientists, civil society groups, and local communities to study current projects and resubmit 2026 proposals based on proper science. The government must move away from mostly cement-based flood control infrastructure towards nature-based flood management solutions like reforestation, watershed restoration, and other sustainable solutions rooted in broader principles of integrated water resource management. The committee must review existing studies of the country’s 18 major river basins, and ensure that projects follow the 5Rs: the right projects, at the right cost, with the right quality, implemented by the right people, delivered right on time. “We call on the President to veto projects that do not adhere to proper science, to send a credible message to Congress”
Second, they call on the House and Senate to end the abusive practice of opaque congressional insertions, especially in the bicameral conference committee. We call for an #OpenBicam and an #OpenBudget transparency server that automatically reports online these project insertions. Congress should give budget monitors enough time to review insertions, not just as token observers but as resource persons. Congressional insertions to the DPWH budget, prone to abuse, have ballooned since 2020, but reached record highs of net PHP540 billion from 2023 to 2025 under the current administration.
Third is to for the President and DPWH to provide full and genuine transparency in flood control projects in the past years. The Sumbong sa Pangulo website, while a laudable first step in transparency, includes less than half of the total value of flood control projects budgeted from 2018 to 2025. In the website, only 9,855 projects worth PHP547 billion were tagged completed, compared to the total PHP1.2 trillion flood control projects budgeted over the same time period.
Fourth is to improve the quality of people’s participation by freely and proactively disclosing documents for proper civic monitoring and potential citizens’ participatory audits with COA. We call on the DBM to fast-track the ultimate beneficial owners’ registry mandated under the New Government Procurement Act, and the open contracting data portal under the PhilGEPS as outlined in the country’s Open Government Challenge Commitment.
Fifth is accountability. “Dapat may managot. Dapat maparusahan ang maysala (Someone must be held accountable. The perpetrator must be punished.)”
The signatories demand that government must prosecute not just the small fish but the masterminds behind this flood control scandal. “We call on the President’s proposed independent commission to be led by representatives of unimpeachable integrity and competence. We call on investigation and enforcement bodies to investigate and file cases against executive branch officials, legislators, auditors, local officials, as well as private sector parties accountable for flood control and other projects exposed as corrupt. We call on the Bureau of Internal Revenue to investigate tax records and the Anti-Money Laundering Council to freeze the assets of parties related to the scandal. We call on the Commission on Audit to expand its fraud audit beyond Bulacan. We call on the COMELEC to investigate politicians who received campaign contributions from contractors who benefited from the flood control scandal. We call for the passage of a genuine Freedom of Information Law and a Beneficial Ownership Transparency Law to prevent this from happening again. We call on the President to appoint a truly independent Ombudsman that will fearlessly file cases, and lift the secrecy on Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth. We call on civil society to revitalize a procurement integrity movement that empowers citizens to monitor how our taxpayer money is spent,” according to the statement.
List of signatories of the joint statement below:
Organizations:
- PH Budget Watch
- Citizens’ Budget Tracker
- People’s Budget Coalition
- Tarabangan Bicol Disaster Volunteer Network
- De La Salle Brothers Philippines
- De La Salle Philippines
- Diocese of Kalookan – Public and Political Affairs Ministry
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)
- Makati Business Club (MBC)
- Philippine Business for Education (PBED)
- Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX)
- Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP)
- Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE NGO)
- Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan (ANIM)
- MUP (Military & Uniformed Personnel) 4 United PH
- Dr. Jose P. Rizal Resource Foundation
- Make It Safer Movement
- Youth for Peace and Development Movement – Camarines Norte
- Angat Kabataan Pilipinas
- Affiliated Network for Social Accountability
- Mamamayang Liberal Partylist
- Move As One Coalition
- Bicol Pop
- Musika Publiko
- Rise Above Pilipinas
- National Confederation of Transportworkers’ Union
- Ateneo de Manila University
- Ateneo de Naga University
- Ateneo de Davao University
- Ateneo de Zamboanga University
- Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan
- Xavier School San Juan
- Xavier School Nuvali
- Loyola College Culion
- PHINMA Education
- PHINMA Araullo University
- PHINMA Cagayan De Oro College
- PHINMA University of Pangasinan
- PHINMA University of Iloilo
- Southwestern University PHINMA
- PHINMA Saint Jude College Manila
- PHINMA Saint Jude College Quezon City
- PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna
- PHINMA Union College of Laguna
- PHINMA Saint Jude College Dasmariñas
- Metro Naga Active Transport Community
- Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB)
- Advocates for National Interest (ANI)
- Concerned “Graduates of PMA”
- End Vote Buying Movement
- Bohol Civil Society
- SANDIG Youth Movement
- UP School of Economics Alumni Association
- FOI Youth Initiative
- Green Party of the Philippines
- Bayanihan para sa Kalikasan Movement Inc
- Global Responsibility for Environmental and Ecological Nurturing
- Bicycle Friendly Philippines
- SafeTravelPH Mobility Innovations Organization
- Federation of Agriculture Cooperatives in Camarines Sur
- CycleSavers
- Bicol Region Cooperative Development Council
- Camarines Sur Provincial Cooperative Development Council
- Naga City Cooperative Development Council
- Jimmely Integrated Farms & Enterprises
- Angat Pinas – Netherlands
- Candon Youth for Empowerment Movement, Inc.
- Haraya Projects Foundation
- Alyansa Tigil Mina
- Safe and Sound Cities Naga
- MBK – Madya Biyahe Kita Travel and Tours
- Coalition Against Trafficking in Women – Asia Pacific (CATW-AP)
- Kalipunan ng mga Kilusang Masa (KALIPUNAN)
- Project Gunita
- Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa
- José W. Diokno Foundation, Inc
- Council of the Laity Kalookan
- Bedan Advocacy & Consciousness Enhancement Society (BACES)
- Agkaykaysa Coalition
- UST Biochemistry Alumni Association – Bicol Chapter
- UP Alyansa ng mga Mag-aaral para sa Panlipunang Katwiran at Kaunlaran (UP ALYANSA)
- GoodGovPH
- Komyut
- Commuters 4 Change (C4C)
- Alternatibong Katipunán ng mga Mag-aaral sa UP (AKMA UP)
- UP Manila Master of Public Health (Epidemiology) – Bicol Chapter
- Digital Democrats
- Tindig Pilipinas
- Akbayan Partylist
- EveryWoman
- Liberal Party
- Buhay Ang People Power Campaign Network
- Simbahan at Komunidad Laban sa Katiwalian
- Kilos Maralita
- Liberal Youth
- Women2022
- Manindigan Na!
- Magdalo Party
- Akbayan Youth
- Youth Against Kurakot
- Alyansa ng mga Samahang Pantao (ASAP)
- International Center on Innovation, Transformation and Excellence in Governance (INCITEGov)
- Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA)
- Katolikong Layko na may Pananampalataya at Paninindigan
- Ligaya ng Panginoon Community
- National Federation of Labor
Individuals (Filipinos For A Better Philippines):
- Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Bishop of Kalookan
- Archbishop Socrates B Villegas
- Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC
- Br. Bernard S. Oca FSC
- Fr Roberto C. Yap SJ
- Ramon del Rosario, Jr.
- Kenneth Isaiah Ibasco Abante
- Rogelio “Babes” Singson
- Former Senator Franklin M. Drilon
- Florencio “Butch” Abad
- Edilberto de Jesus
- Narzalina Lim
- Cielito F. Habito
- GEN Renato S De Villa, AFP (RET)
- Jose L. Cuisia Jr
- Teresita Quintos Deles
- Bertie Lim
- Patricia Licuanan
- Julia Abad
- MAJ Rene C Valencia, PA (RET)
- Ed Chua
- Chito Salazar
- EJ Qua Hiansen
- Lito Tayag
- Lilia de Lima
- Cielo Magno
- Kiko Aquino Dee
- Apa Ongpin
- Eirene Jhone E. Aguila
- Peter Perfecto
- Maureen Ava Mata
- Eunice Tanillon
- Domnina T. Rances
- Lito R. Pardo, BCBP
- Noel de los Reyes, BCBP
- Roberto D. Yap, ANIM ANI
- ADM Danilo Abinoja
- Dr. Minguita Padilla
- Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III, Liberal Party
- Dinna Louise C. Dayao
- Raffy Magno
- Dinky von Einsiedel
- Mercemarie F. Atian
- Ian Rafael S. Corpus
- Ayna Punzalan
- Raymac Rosales
- Mark Robert A. Castillo
- Joseph Benjamin I. Ilan
- Rogelio M. Ilagan
- Jomar F. Rabajante
- Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo
- Gella Leaño
- Karl Ramirez
- Jaime V. Hernandez, Jr.
- Roger Palacio II
- James Nathaniel Refugio
- Francis “Kapi” Capistrano
- Louievec Diane H. Zoilo
- Abner Manlapaz
- Erwin Alampay
- Andrew Yan
- Luisito Miguel Caro Gepuela
- Ramon Dominic A. Nobleza
- Pamela Gloria Cajilig
- Timothy James L. Cipriano
- Francisco Paulo Panergayo
- Ben Secretario
- Benjamin T. Tolosa, Jr.
- Dr. Alberto M. Ong Jr.
- COL Plaridel M Abaya, PC (Ret)
- LTGEN Edilberto P Adan, AFP (RET)
- COL Guillermo G Cunanan, PAF (RET)
- PLTC Alejandro T Flores, PC (RET)
- GEN Victor Ibrado, AFP (RET) (ANI)
- VADM Emilio C Marayag, AFP (RET)
- BGEN Manuel Mariano, AFP (RET)
- VADM Mateo M Mayuga, AFP (RET)
- BGEN Eliseo M Rio JR, AFP (RET)
- MGEN Melchor P Rosales, AFP (RET)
- COL Mariano R Santiago, PC (RET)
- PGEN Recaredo A Sarmiento II, PNP (RET)
- LTGEN Raul S Urgello PA (Ret)
- GEN Alexander B Yano, AFP (RET)
- BGEN Rodrigo T Diapana, AFP (RET)
- Tieza Santos
- Jo Mariza David
- Andy Belmonte
- Wilfredo Prilles, Jr.
- Louis Emmanuel I. Talaguit
- Roferth D.A. Dayao
- Eric Cabahug
- Jaime Crisostomo
- Annabelle B. Bonje
- Jose Rafael M. Hernandez, Jr.
- Teddy Baguilat Jr
- Jeoffrey Mhar M. Larua, Board Member, Cordilleran Youth Center Inc.
- Dr. Maurice Ramirez
- J. Ebreo
- Atty. Daphne Marcelo
- Rachelle A. Madarang
- Mary Abigail Modales
- Isola Tong
- David Delano D’Angelo
- 104.Mike Calleja
- Rosar P. Crisostomo
- 106.Karen S. Crisostomo
- Aneka S. Crisostomo
- Mihali S. Crisostomo
- Juancho S. Crisostomo
- Boyet Rafael
- Ditas Rafael
- Franchette (Shey) Abonita Dulfo
- Joanaviva C. Plopenio
- .Errol Ivan C. Badong
- Jason Keith
- Pura
- Jacobe B. Gaddi
- Elmer Sto. Domingo, Jr.
- Patricia Enriquez
- Liane Peña Alampay
- Adelfo Briones
- Arvin Boller
- Joshua Uyheng
- Josephine P Perez
- Cristina Montiel
- Yzekiel Venn L. Rivera, UP ALYANSA
- Humphrey Soriano
- Angelito S. Obillo Jr.
- Jadi Miguel Castroverde
- Archimedes de Jesus
- Maria Cristina P. Bawagan
- Xiao Chua
- Jet C. Riparip
- Al Mayoralgo
- Maria Kristina Nael
- Gerry Cacanindin
- April Joy Flores Cacanindin
- RAdm Rommel Jason L Galang, PN (RET
- COL Danny P Oabunan
- Danilo A. Songco
- Myk Gregory L. Albao
- Lorie S. Manalansan
- Ma. Carmela Francia T. Peña
- Maria Diana Bianca T. Peña
- Ma. Veronica Victoria T. Peña
- Carlo Aristotle Magno T. Peña
- Lorie S. Manalansan
- Fr Ernald Andal SJ
- Mr Pedro Rufo N Soliven
- Minette Soriano
- Fr Michael Pineda SJ
- Eric Ylagan
- Evelyn Ylagan
- Reigner Sanchez
- Atty Mila Raquid-Arroyo
- Mylce Mella-Competente
- Lourdes “Bing” Pimentel
- Mayor Benjie Magalong, Baguio City
