Philippines Flood Control Graft Scandal Prompts Probes, Protests

MANILA, Philippines -- A sprawling corruption scandal engulfing flood control projects has ignited nationwide protests and drawn direct accusations against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as investigators uncover billions of pesos in alleged graft amid deadly typhoon seasons that have exposed the nation's vulnerability to flooding.

The controversy centers on irregularities in nearly 10,000 flood mitigation initiatives funded since Marcos took office in mid-2022, with a total budget exceeding 545 billion pesos. Probes by congressional committees and an independent commission have revealed that up to 118.5 billion pesos may have been lost to corruption since 2023, including substandard or nonexistent works. Fifteen contractors secured about one-fifth of the funds, often with inadequate documentation, while recent monsoons and typhoons like Kalmaegi and Fungwong have caused hundreds of deaths and widespread inundation in Metro Manila and central regions, despite government claims of effective infrastructure.

At the heart of the escalating allegations is former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co, who from abroad released video statements accusing Marcos and his...