Concrete Lies: The Case for Stopping Flood Control Projects Until Transparency Prevails
When a wall meant to keep water out is built on the quicksand of corruption, it does more harm
than good. It lulls communities into a false sense of security and, when the flood comes, collapses into
catastrophe. In the Philippines, where floods have long threatened lives and livelihoods, government flood
control projects are supposed to shield citizens from disaster. Yet recent revelations of extensive
irregularities—ghost projects, substandard construction, and contractor capture—show that many of these
works have become symbols of waste and danger. For the protection of the Filipino people, the integrity of
public funds, and the legitimacy of governance, the government should halt all major flood control projects
until corruption, transparency, and accountability issues in public works are fully and verifiably resolved.
Media and audit reports confirm that many flood control projects have serious anomalies. The
Commission on Audit (COA) discovered around ₱341 million worth of flood control projects to be
substandard, overpriced, or non-existent (GMA Integrated News, 2025). Civil society and business groups
have likewise demanded independent probes after learning that of the ₱545 billion allocated since 2022,
many projects were undocumented or duplicated, and only a handful of contractors handled a
disproportionate share of funds (Reuters, 2025). In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. established an
independent body to investigate the alleged infrastructure anomalies, declaring that “no one will be spared”
(Reuters, 2025). This pattern of systemic abuse demonstrates that continuing major projects without reform
risks further waste, danger, and erosion of public trust.
Halting major projects is not an abandonment of flood-prone communities—it is a responsible
pause to prevent further harm, fiscal loss, and legitimacy erosion. First, it allows the verification of
technical integrity. Infrastructure built under corrupt or opaque conditions often fails when disasters strike,
as inferior materials and weak oversight compromise safety (Associated Press, 2025). A suspension gives
the government time to commission independent structural audits and ensure that every project adheres to
national standards before resuming construction.
Second, a moratorium safeguards public funds from further misallocation. Every peso wasted on
phantom or substandard flood projects is a peso stolen from schools, hospitals, or disaster response
initiatives. Freezing new disbursements while investigations are ongoing limits opportunities for further
misuse and reinforces fiscal accountability, showing taxpayers that their contributions are not being
funneled into corruption (GMA Integrated News, 2025).
Third, the temporary halt signals a commitment to reform. Public faith in the government has been
eroded by years of infrastructure scandals. Pausing major contracts until transparent procurement systems
are implemented—such as e-procurement, open data disclosures, and third-party
monitoring—demonstrates a genuine effort to rebuild trust and prevent corruption from recurring (Reuters,
2025).
Critics may argue that suspending flood control projects will expose communities to flooding.
However, proceeding under a corrupt system offers only an illusion of safety. Substandard flood barriers
may collapse during storms, endangering lives more than protecting them. The moratorium should target
only large-scale and non-urgent projects, while emergency repairs and essential maintenance continue
under strict oversight (Politico Pro, 2025). This ensures that communities remain protected even as
systemic reforms are implemented.
Another argument is that halting projects may slow economic growth and hurt workers in the
construction sector. This concern is valid, but short-term. Redirecting funds to community-based flood
mitigation and maintenance programs can preserve employment while promoting transparency and
efficiency. Once corruption is addressed, future projects will attract legitimate investors, skilled workers,
and stronger economic returns (Associated Press, 2025).
In conclusion, halting major flood control projects until corruption and transparency issues are
fully addressed is an act of prudence and integrity. Continuing under the same flawed system only
perpetuates risk, waste, and public betrayal. A time-bound moratorium, coupled with independent audits
and procurement reforms, is the responsible path forward. The Philippines must stop building on a rotten
foundation. Only by doing so can we ensure that future flood control infrastructure truly safeguards lives,
honors public trust, and restores accountability in governance.
REFERENCES
Associated Press. (2025, September 23). Philippine flood-control projects made substandard to allow huge
kickbacks, Senate inquiry told. https://apnews.com/article/6ec985cb21d1c14ba617a57b9f223974
GMA Integrated News. (2025, September 8). ₱341 million worth of flood control projects substandard,
non-existent.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/958420/coa-p341-million-worth-of-flood-co
ntrol-projects-substandard-non-existent/story/
Politico Pro. (2025, September 24). Philippine flood projects made cheaply, overpriced for kickbacks,
inquiry told.
https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews/2025/09/24/philippine-flood-projects-made-chea
ply-overpriced-for-kickbacks-inquiry-told-00578103
Reuters. (2025, September 11). Philippines forms independent body to probe anomalies in infrastructure
projects.
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/philippines-forms-independent-body-probe-anomalies-infr
astructure-projects-2025-09-11/
