The Philippine government has arrested seven suspects linked to a sweeping corruption scandal involving billions of pesos in allegedly fraudulent flood-control projects, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced on Monday.
The arrests mark the first major breakthrough in investigations surrounding so-called “ghost” infrastructure schemes that reportedly cost the country up to 118.5 billion pesos (about $2bn). More than a dozen people have already been indicted by the Sandiganbayan, the country’s special anti-corruption court, with many more expected to face prosecution in the coming weeks.
In a video address, Marcos said two additional suspects were preparing to surrender, while seven remained on the run. He urged the fugitives—including former lawmaker Zaldy Co—to turn themselves in, warning that anyone helping them evade justice would also face the law.
Authorities say Co’s family owns the construction company awarded a 289-million-peso dike project in Oriental Mindoro—the first contract now under intense scrutiny. Officials believe the former congressman may have left the country, but several other suspects are considering surrendering through Philippine embassies abroad.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla pledged that investigators would track down all involved, regardless of where they may have fled. Philippine media have reported that eight officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways are already in custody, including senior regional directors and project engineers.
The scandal has intensified public anger in a country frequently hit by severe flooding. Many communities blame substandard or nonexistent flood-control structures for the devastation caused by two super typhoons earlier this month, which left more than 250 people dead.
Marcos has vowed that “dozens more” corruption cases will be filed, with senators, members of the House of Representatives and prominent construction company owners likely to face trial before the year ends. Some high-profile political figures have already stepped aside from their posts as investigations deepen.
Okay News had reported that the controversy has sparked massive nationwide protests—backed by the influential Roman Catholic Church—with demonstrators demanding full transparency and accountability.
With another major rally planned for November 30, public pressure continues to mount on the government to show results in what could become one of the biggest corruption crackdowns in Philippine history.
