Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The Philippines is currently caught in a relentless cycle of climate extremes, with recent catastrophic floods serving as a harsh indictment of a government infrastructure system riddled with corruption. After a brutal heatwave forced thousands of students out of their classrooms, massive rains and widespread flooding have now submerged communities, leaving a trail of destruction that has not only disrupted lives but has also exposed the questionable flood control projects that were once touted as a solution.
During the president's State of the Nation Address (SONA), a strong warning was issued to those responsible for substandard and “ghost” projects. The president revealed that a P545-billion budget for flood control projects over the past three years has been marred by irregularities, with a staggering P100 billion of that amount going to just 15 contractors. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has since confirmed the existence of "ghost projects," particularly in Bulacan, a province that has received billions in flood control funds yet remains one of the most flood-prone areas in the country.
Investigations have uncovered egregious examples of this plundering of public funds. In Baliuag, Bulacan, a P55-million concrete river wall was paid for and reported as completed, yet no work had been done. Similarly, a P96.3-million river-protection structure in Calumpit was also found to be non-existent. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has launched its own probe, with senators questioning the blatant mismatch between where flood control money is allocated and where it is most needed. They have also highlighted how contracts were awarded to undercapitalized and allegedly incompetent firms, leading to projects that were doomed to fail from the start.
Recent reports have also revealed a troubling link between these contractors and top government officials. Senate President Chiz Escudero admitted that his top campaign donor in the 2022 elections, Lawrence Lubiano, is the president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., one of the top contractors that received over P5 billion in flood control projects. While Escudero has denied any involvement in the awarding of these contracts, his ties to the firm have raised questions. Similarly, Senator Joel Villanueva has come under scrutiny as his campaign received a P20-million donation from New San Jose Builders Inc., a company owned by a former housing secretary who was later appointed as presidential adviser for Pasig River rehabilitation. These revelations come as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is now probing campaign contributions from contractors, which are prohibited by the Omnibus Election Code.
The controversy surrounding flooding in the Philippines also involves major private corporations like San Miguel Corporation (SMC). While SMC has initiated its own "Better Rivers PH" flood mitigation and river dredging program, its large-scale infrastructure projects have also been cited as potential contributors to the problem. Environmental advocates and some local communities have voiced concerns that the company's projects, such as the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan, are worsening floods. Critics argue that the airport's location blocks the natural outflow of river systems and that the destruction of mangrove forests during construction has removed a crucial natural buffer against floods and storm surges.
This systemic corruption and controversial development have had a devastating impact on the education sector. As massive floods overwhelm communities, schools are often the first to be submerged, with classes suspended and buildings converted into evacuation centers. The students who have just returned to a modified school calendar to avoid the intense heat are now facing new learning disruptions due to the incessant rains and flooding. For children who rely on in-person classes, the consequences are severe, deepening educational inequality and setting them further back in their studies.
While the government is now scrambling to hold corrupt officials and contractors accountable, the private sector has stepped up to fill the gap. San Miguel Corporation's "Better Rivers PH" initiative has been quietly working to desilt and clean major rivers, a concrete effort that stands in stark contrast to the government's failed projects. This highlights a clear message: that true resilience against climate change requires not just robust infrastructure, but also integrity and a commitment to public service. In a country that is a poster child for climate vulnerability, the ongoing tragedy is not just a natural disaster; it is a man-made crisis fueled by greed, proving that the money meant to protect the people has only ended up drowning them.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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