Prominent academic and civil society institutions have added their voices to the growing demand for systemic reforms in government spending following the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.
Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle Philippines, and the De La Salle Brothers, together with the People’s Budget Coalition and other organizations, condemned the massive misuse of taxpayer funds that they said has worsened the vulnerability of Filipinos to climate disasters.
In their joint statement, the groups expressed outrage over what they described as a vicious cycle of corruption where government officials, contractors, and their allies profit from public funds while ordinary citizens suffer the consequences. They urged a shift to “a system of transparency, accountability, and people’s participation” to prevent similar abuses.
Among their key demands are:
An independent, multisectoral review of flood control projects by scientists, civil society, and local communities, with proposals anchored on proper science rather than cement-heavy infrastructure.
The abolition of opaque congressional insertions and stricter oversight to ensure projects meet the “5Rs”: right projects, at the right cost, with the right quality, implemented by the right people, and delivered on time.
Full disclosure of flood control project documents and stronger mechanisms for civic monitoring and audits.
Prosecution of not just minor players but also the masterminds behind the scandal, stressing that “dapat may managot. Dapat maparusahan ang maysala.”
The joint call was signed by at least 20 organizations, including PH Budget Watch, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Makati Business Club, the Philippine Business for Social Progress, and the Diocese of Kalookan’s Public and Political Affairs Ministry.
The signatories emphasized that Filipinos have “had enough” of corruption that endangers lives and erodes trust in institutions. They called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Congress, and relevant agencies to act decisively, saying only genuine accountability and structural change can restore confidence and protect communities from future disasters.
