Philippines Detains 7 in Flood Project Corruption Scandal

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Monday that seven suspects linked to a massive corruption scandal involving flood control infrastructure projects have been detained, as authorities intensify efforts to capture others amid widespread public outrage.

The scandal, which surfaced earlier this year, centers on allegations of ghost projects, substandard construction, and bribery in flood mitigation efforts across the archipelago nation. Officials estimate the irregularities may have cost the government up to 118.5 billion pesos, or about $2 billion, with at least 421 such projects uncovered nationwide. In one prominent case in Oriental Mindoro province, a 289-million-peso dike project on the Magasawang Tubig River awarded to Sunwest Corporation has drawn scrutiny, leading to indictments by the Sandiganbayan, the country's anti-corruption court.

Marcos, speaking in a video address on Facebook, confirmed that arrest warrants have been issued for 18 individuals, including former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who remains at large and is believed to be abroad. Two additional suspects are preparing to surrender, while seven others are still being sought. "To the rest, give up,"...