In a significant move to address widespread public outrage, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the detention of seven suspects linked to a major corruption scandal involving flood control projects. Speaking on Monday, Marcos revealed that additional suspects are being pursued, including powerful members of Congress implicated in the brazen anomalies. The scandal has exposed substandard or non-existent flood control initiatives in the poverty-stricken Southeast Asian nation, which is highly vulnerable to deadly floods and extreme weather. The Sandiganbayan, a special anti-corruption court, has already indicted over a dozen suspects, including former House of Representatives member Zaldy Co and government public works engineers. This marks the first wave of what is expected to be dozens of criminal graft and corruption lawsuits, with Marcos vowing to bring implicated senators, House members, and wealthy construction company owners to justice by Christmas. The initial case involves irregularities in a 289 million peso ($4.8 million) river dike project in Oriental Mindoro province, undertaken by Sunwest Corp., a construction firm allegedly owned by Co’s family. One suspect was arrested, while six others surrendered over the weekend. Marcos urged remaining suspects to surrender, emphasizing that the crackdown will continue relentlessly. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla warned that authorities will pursue suspects globally, with three individuals expected to surrender at Philippine embassies in the United States, New Zealand, and Jordan. The scandal has sparked massive protests, fueled by revelations of kickbacks, lavish lifestyles, and luxury assets among the accused. An upcoming demonstration on November 30, backed by the Roman Catholic Church, underscores the public’s frustration. Among those implicated is Rep. Martin Romualdez, the president’s cousin and key ally, who has denied involvement but stepped down as House Speaker. Former Senate President Chiz Escudero has also been accused of pocketing kickbacks, though he denies wrongdoing. Marcos’s aides defended him, noting he first raised concerns about the irregularities in his July state of the nation address. Investigations now span over 9,855 flood control projects worth 545 billion pesos ($9 billion) since Marcos took office in mid-2022, with officials estimating up to 118.5 billion pesos ($2 billion) lost to corruption since 2023. The probe may extend to projects undertaken during the tenure of Marcos’s predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.
Philippine president says 7 suspects in corruption scandal have been detained, others being sought
