MANILA – A lawmaker has publicly called out President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to fulfill his earlier vow to jail high-ranking officials involved in the P20-billion flood control corruption scandal, questioning the delay in prosecutions despite arrests of contractors and frozen accounts. The challenge, raised on December 25, 2025, amid Christmas messages of accountability, highlights growing frustration over perceived slow progress in holding “big fish” responsible for “ghost” projects that left communities vulnerable to typhoons.
The solon—reportedly from the opposition or independent bloc—referenced Marcos’ September 2025 directive for “no sacred cows” in the probe, asking: “Mr. President, where is the promise to jail the executives and masterminds? Contractors are in custody, but the officials who approved and benefited remain free.”
Key developments cited:
- Arrests of contractors like Sarah Discaya and contempt citations for others.
- Over 1,193 bank accounts frozen, recovering millions in alleged kickbacks.
- Senate and Ombudsman probes implicating former DPWH officials, including the late Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral.
Palace officials defended the timeline, noting cases are “building evidence for airtight prosecutions” to avoid acquittals. “Justice is coming—the President stands by his word,” a spokesperson said.
The query underscores public demand for closure in a scandal exposing billions lost to substandard or nonexistent dikes, amplifying calls for command responsibility up the chain.
As holidays emphasize reflection, this Christmas reminder presses: Promises of justice must ring louder than seasonal cheer.
Scandal Timeline Snapshot (Key 2025 Events):
| Period | Development |
|---|---|
| September | Marcos vows “no sacred cows”; Cabral resigns |
| October-November | Contractor arrests; account freezes |
| December | Lawmaker questions delay in exec prosecutions |