Philippines vows arrests over fake flood control projects

November 13, 2025 / 10:31 AM

Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr speaks during a press conference at Malacanang Palace in Manila

Sharjah24 - AFP: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged on Thursday that individuals involved in fraudulent flood control projects will be arrested before Christmas. His remarks come in the wake of consecutive deadly typhoons that left large areas of the country submerged.

Widespread corruption allegations

Dozens of construction firm owners, government officials and lawmakers — including Marcos’ cousin, Congressman Martin Romualdez — have been accused of siphoning public funds through substandard or entirely fabricated infrastructure schemes. According to the Department of Finance, corruption in flood control projects cost the national economy up to 118.5 billion pesos ($2 billion) between 2023 and 2025.

Criminal cases near completion

Marcos stated that criminal charges against most of the implicated individuals were close to being finalised. “We don’t file cases for optics. We file cases to put people in jail,” he said, adding, “They won’t have a merry Christmas… happy days are over.”

No exemptions, President says

When asked about his cousin’s involvement, Marcos said there was “not as yet” enough evidence to pursue charges, but stressed that “no one is exempted in this investigation.” Public frustration over ghost projects has intensified since he highlighted the issue during his July national address.

Country still reeling from Typhoons

The nation continues to struggle with the aftermath of Super Typhoon Fung-wong, which made landfall on Sunday and killed at least 27 people while flooding hundreds of villages. The storm struck just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi hit the central Philippines, leaving at least 232 people dead.