Philippine: Seven people have been arrested in the Philippines in connection with a major corruption scandal involving flood control projects across the country, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced.
The suspects are among more than a dozen individuals indicted by the Sandiganbayan, the nation’s special anti-corruption court, in what is expected to become a series of sweeping investigations into so-called ‘ghost’ infrastructure schemes.
The arrests came two months after Marcos set up a commission to investigate the scandal, which the Department of Finance estimates may have cost taxpayers as much as 118.5 billion pesos ($2 billion). The move followed mass protests in Manila in September, where thousands of demonstrators demanded accountability.
In a video message posted on Facebook, Marcos said two additional wanted suspects were negotiating surrender while seven others remained at large. Marcos warned that anyone providing shelter or support to the fugitives would face prosecution.
Marcos declared that, “To the rest, give up,” directly naming Zaldy Co, a former member of the House of Representatives, who is among the most high-profile accused.
Co’s family is linked to Sunwest Corporation, the construction firm awarded a 289 million-peso ($4.9 million) contract for a dike on the Mag-asawang Tubig River in Oriental Mindoro, the first project to undergo scrutiny by the court.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Co is believed to be overseas, and his current location is unknown. However, he revealed that three other suspects may soon surrender to Philippine embassies in the United States, New Zealand, and Jordan for repatriation.
According to Philippine outlet Rappler, eight Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials including two regional directors, an engineer, and a bidding and awards committee accountant were already in custody.
Marcos has pledged that dozens more corruption cases will follow, targeting senators, House members and well-connected construction magnates. He asserted that those implicated would be jailed before Christmas.
The scandal has sparked widespread anger, fuelled by reports of lavish lifestyles among those under investigation, including mansions, suitcases of cash and luxury vehicles. An even larger demonstration, backed by the influential Roman Catholic Church, is scheduled for November 30.
High-profile names have surfaced in the probe. Representative Martin Romualdez, a cousin and key political ally of Marcos, has denied wrongdoing but has stepped down as Speaker of the House. Former Senate President Francis Escudero has also been accused of receiving kickbacks. He resigned from his position but insists he is innocent.
Deadly floods heighten public outrage
The public fury is sharpened by the deadly impacts of recent storms. More than 250 people were killed earlier this month when two super typhoons struck the country within a single week.
The Philippines, an archipelago of 7,641 islands, is among the most flood-prone nations in the world. Residents, particularly in impoverished communities, say corruption has left them unprotected and vulnerable.
Climate experts warn that warming oceans are driving ever-stronger tropical storms and that the country requires significant investment in flood control infrastructure to prevent further loss of life.
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