PBBM orders probe into P118B flood control corruption allegations

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an investigation into potential corruption within flood control projects, following reports of substandard and "ghost" projects and massive floods in July.

The scandal centers on the alleged loss of P118 billion in government funds given to favored contractors, lawmakers, and officials for flood projects over the last three years.

Senator Panfilo Lacson revealed that 67 lawmakers acted as contractors for their own projects in 2022, suggesting a conflict of interest.

President Marcos Jr. identified 15 contractors who secured P100 billion in flood control projects since 2022, noting many were in non-flood-prone areas.

Henry Alcantara, former District Engineer for Bulacan's 1st Engineering District, was dismissed and charged for signing off on ghost projects and implicated as a "chief implementor" in a kickback scheme.

Uswag Ilonggo Partylist Rep. Jojo Ang is among the lawmakers accused of receiving kickbacks from government flood control projects, which he has denied.

Senate President Chiz Escudero acknowledged receiving a P30 million donation from a government contractor in 2022 but denied involvement in awarding projects to the firm.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva stated that no senator has been directly linked to the 15 contractors involved in the questionable flood control projects.