UP expresses grave concern over alleged corruption in flood control projects

The University of the Philippines (UP) has expressed its "gravest concern" over alleged deep-seated corruption in the nation's flood control and infrastructure projects.

UP President Angelo A. Jimenez stated that the university cannot "stay neutral" and supports citizens' constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

This aligns with university-wide protests, including a walkout at the Diliman campus, demanding accountability from the Marcos administration.

The university also supports calls for fiscal governance reforms and increased transparency in public services.

The corruption hits close to home as a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) project, the CAL Faculty Center, remains incomplete due to alleged anomalies involving contractor Discaya.

The controversy is under investigation by Congress and an independent body formed by President Marcos to probe flood control and other infrastructure anomalies in the past decade.

UP is also facing pressure from its own community to audit its infrastructure projects, some of which are unfinished or defective, with calls to investigate contractors linked to the flood control mess.