Government Accountability
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Magalong reveals why he resigned from independent commission probing flood control anomalies
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has stepped down as Special Adviser and Investigator of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the body tasked to probe alleged anomalies in billions, if not trillions, of pesos worth of government infrastructure projects. In a statement on…
DOJ greenlights case build-up v.s. Co, Escudero, Villanueva, Estrada, Revilla, 16 others
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday, September 26, that it will pursue case build-up against 21 individuals, including five current and former lawmakers, following a recommendation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The move subjects those named to scrutiny by the…
What President Marcos must do as Filipinos rage against corruption, says Gringo Honasan
As nationwide protests against corruption loom on September 21, former Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to act as a leader for all Filipinos, regardless of political affiliation. In an interview on DZRH News’ Special on Saturday on September 20, Honasan said…
The uncomfortable truth: Filipinos see corruption as acceptable, to some extent
Corruption in the Philippines has persisted for decades not only because it is committed in secrecy or tolerated by institutions, but also because many Filipinos see it as acceptable—especially when they directly benefit from it. In an interview on DZRH News’ Special on Saturday program on…
‘Pork barrel ng DBM?’: Senators flag ghost projects in unprogrammed funds
Senators turned up the heat on the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) over its handling of unprogrammed appropriations, warning that the ballooning funds are eerily becoming the agency’s version of pork barrel. “Ang magic, nasa DBM,” Senator Imee Marcos said, stressing that the DBM should…
Lacson hopeful independent probe can bring justice to nation ‘drowning’ in corruption
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Monday, September 15, expressed hope that the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will bring justice to a nation he described as “drowning in corruption.” Lacson welcomed the appointment of former Supreme Court Justice…
President Marcos revives LGU approval rule to curb corruption in public works
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, September 15, ordered all government agencies to restore the rule requiring local government units (LGUs) to formally accept national projects before these can be considered complete. Marcos said the acceptance process, which was removed under…
Marcos says he would rally against ‘crocs’ too if he weren’t President
Instead of silencing public anger, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leaned into it, saying that if he were not the country’s Chief Executive, he might well be on the streets himself, railing against those accused of siphoning billions from flood control projects. Marcos made the remark on Monday…
Singapore’s flood resilience, drainage spending puts Metro Manila to shame
Much like the floodwaters, public anger is overflowing over the Philippines’ failed flood control projects. Every downpour brings not just clogged roads but renewed outrage over flood control projects that have swallowed billions yet delivered little. Singapore, however, shows what long-term…
‘Pay taxes or be blacklisted,’ Isko Moreno warns flood control contractors
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso on Thursday, September 4, warned flood control contractors with ₱247 million in unpaid taxes that they will be blacklisted from securing city permits should they fail to settle their obligations. Citing a report from the Office of the City…
Ping Lacson’s speech triggers more fact-finding missions on anomalous flood projects
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s exposé on anomalous flood control projects has set off renewed fact-finding missions from journalists and the public alike. Speaking on DZRH News’ Special on Saturday on August 23, Lacson noted that ghost and substandard projects flagged in his investigation were…
KLEPTOSPIROSIS: When corruption becomes a public health crisis
As leptospirosis cases surge—over 3,037 nationwide, with hundreds of lives lost—we must speak not only with data, but with deep empathy. Behind every statistic is a grieving family, a breadwinner lost, a child orphaned. And behind every flooded street is a system that failed them. This is not just…
Isko blasts DPWH over failed flood control projects, pumping stations: ‘Tumigil na kayo’
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso lashed out at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for bypassing the local government and building flood control projects without coordination. In a joint press conference with San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and the Metro Manila…
‘Mahiya naman kayo’: PBBM kakasuhan mga may sala sa palpak na flood control projects
“Mahiya naman kayo.” Binanatan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang mga opisyal at kontratistang sangkot sa mga palpak at diumano’y “ghost” flood control projects, kasunod ng matinding pinsala ng mga habagat at bagyong Crising, Dante, at Emong. “Kitang-kita po na maraming proyekto para sa…