The flood-control scandal comes as the country faces a devastating toll from recent weather disturbances. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported 32 deaths and around 8 million people affected by Habagat and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng in August. Infrastructure damage reached ₱6.11 billion, while agricultural losses stood at ₱2.32 billion.
The figures come as scrutiny continues over the country’s massive flood-control spending. DPWH data cited by Senator Ping Lacson showed that ₱1.939 trillion was allocated for flood-management programs from 2011 to 2025. Lacson and Sen. Senator Win Gatchalian earlier estimated that more than ₱180 billion may have been lost to ghost projects, although Lacson later revised the figure to around ₱79 billion following updated inspections.
The controversy has also placed former House Speaker Martin Romualdez under multiple Ombudsman investigations. Complaints filed against him involve allegations of plunder, graft, bribery, and money laundering connected to flood-control projects, accusations he has repeatedly denied. On August 20, Romualdez submitted a supplemental counter-affidavit citing 25 witnesses who had withdrawn their accusations against him.
The recantations have not halted the investigation. On Aug. 28, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said investigators have 42 witnesses, including 28 new witnesses and 14 former bodyguards of Zaldy Co who remain available to testify. The Ombudsman said the case does not rely solely on the witnesses who recanted and that investigators continue gathering additional evidence.
The controversy highlights the scale of public funds involved in flood management and the continuing impact of flooding on Filipino communities.
PGMN has continued its coverage despite facing more than 80 counts and lawsuits filed by Romualdez. Since beginning its reporting campaign against the former Speaker two months ago, PGMN has published more than 1,300 posts about the controversy, generating around 160 million views across platforms.
The campaign has become one of the most widely viewed anti-corruption discussions involving a single public figure in Philippine social media
