President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and former Public Works Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson to an independent commission investigating corruption in the government’s flood control program. Both confirmed their acceptance, while a third member of the panel has yet to be named.
The body, to be formalized through an executive order this week, will examine how billions of pesos in flood control funds were allegedly lost to ghost projects, contractor collusion, and political kickbacks. Marcos stressed that the probe will follow a “walang sasantuhin” or “no sacred cows” approach, ensuring that even allies could face consequences if implicated.
Magalong, a retired police general, rose to national prominence as chief of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, where he led high-profile probes before entering politics. Since being elected Baguio City mayor in 2019, he has been known for his anti-corruption stance and reformist governance style, often clashing with traditional political structures in pursuit of transparency.
Singson, meanwhile, brings decades of technical expertise to the panel. As DPWH secretary under former President Benigno Aquino III, he became widely respected for implementing procurement reforms and pushing for transparency in infrastructure projects.
He has also worked in the private sector, leading large infrastructure and utilities firms, giving him both policy and industry perspective. His decision to serve on the commission pro bono underscores his commitment to public accountability.
The commission will coordinate with the National Bureau of Investigation and the Commission on Audit, with authority to summon records and recommend actions to agencies with prosecutorial power. Its findings are expected to guide accountability measures and shape future infrastructure spending, particularly in flood control projects critical to a country regularly battered by typhoons.
