The Price of Corruption: Magalong Blows Whistle on Public Works Plunder

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines –

In a chilling revelation that lays bare the rot within the nation’s infrastructure pipeline, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has exposed a staggering truth: only 30% of public works budgets are left for actual implementation after politicians allegedly siphon off the rest through kickbacks.

With unflinching candor, the former police general turned reformist mayor did not mince words. Speaking before a crowd of concerned citizens, Magalong declared that 70% of public funds earmarked for development projects are being systematically bled dry by corruption—leaving only scraps to build the very roads, bridges, flood control systems, and schools meant to uplift Filipino lives.

“Ang natitira na lang sa mga proyekto ay trenta porsyento,” Magalong said grimly. “Ang pitumpung porsyento, napupunta sa kickback, sa kurapsyon.”

This is not just a statistic. It is a dagger to the heart of every taxpayer. It is the reason for crumbling roads, delayed flood-control systems, substandard classrooms, and unfinished healthcare centers. This is why Metro Manila drowns in floodwaters, why provincial bridges collapse with every typhoon, and why promises of progress remain hollow campaign slogans.

A Rot That Starts from the Top

Magalong’s bombshell adds to the growing chorus of reformists and whistleblowers who have, for decades, sounded the alarm about the systemic corruption embedded in the procurement and bidding processes of the government. What sets his claim apart, however, is the scale—a staggering 70% lost to greed and backroom deals.

The implications are devastating. A P100 million road project, for instance, might only receive P30 million worth of actual labor, materials, and machinery. The remaining P70 million? Disappearing into the pockets of elected officials, colluding contractors, and bureaucratic middlemen.

“This is why projects collapse a year after inauguration,” said an anonymous civil engineer familiar with DPWH projects. “What can you build with 30%? Everything becomes compromised—steel, concrete, manpower. The public pays the full price, but gets a third of what they deserve.”

Culture of Silence, Web of Complicity

Despite the public outcry over the years, corrupt infrastructure practices continue with near impunity. Why? Because the system is rigged to protect itself.

Magalong’s disclosure hits at the heart of this impunity: an entrenched network of politicians, contractors, auditors, and even some local government officials, bound not by public service but by mutual silence and shared profit. Whistleblowers are marginalized or silenced. Honest officials are either isolated or pushed out.

And the worst part? The public has grown desensitized. Apathy has replaced outrage, as scandals become headlines for a day—then fade into the oblivion of unprosecuted crimes.

Infrastructure or Illusion?

The Duterte and Marcos administrations both touted a “Build, Build, Build” and “Build Better More” program respectively—massive infrastructure drives meant to usher in a golden age of connectivity and economic progress.

But Magalong’s revelations now throw a dark shadow over these flagship initiatives. How many of these projects are, in reality, no more than cash cows cleverly disguised as progress?

Transparency advocates are now calling for full audits of ongoing infrastructure projects—especially those fast-tracked without public bidding under emergency powers.

A Nation at the Crossroads

Mayor Magalong has long been known for his principled stance—first as a top police officer who investigated the Mamasapano tragedy, then as a city leader who refused to back down against political pressure. With this latest exposé, he places himself once again at the frontlines of the battle for accountability.

But will the nation listen?

The people must now confront a grim but necessary question: How much longer will we let corruption steal the roads we drive on, the schools our children study in, the hospitals that could save our lives?

Because when only 30% is left for the public, we are paying full price for broken dreams.

Accountability Must Begin Now

Magalong’s allegations demand more than shock—they demand action:

A Senate investigation into corruption in DPWH and other infrastructure-related agencies.

Public disclosure of project budgets, actual expenditures, and contractors involved.

Real protection and incentives for whistleblowers.

Independent audits by private engineering associations and civil society organizations.

Unless these are implemented, Magalong’s truth-telling will become yet another unheeded warning in a long history of governmental betrayal.

The Wazzup Pilipinas founder Ross Flores Del Rosario urges the media, watchdogs, and citizens alike to echo Magalong’s call and demand systemic change. “Transparency is no longer optional. If only 30% of our resources are truly reaching the people, then we are living not in a democracy—but in a looted republic.”

The time to reclaim the missing 70% is now. Or else, we may soon have nothing left at all.

About "WazzupPilipinas.com"

WazzupPilipinas.com is the fastest growing and most awarded blog and social media community that has transcended beyond online media. It has successfully collaborated with all forms of media namely print, radio and television making it the most diverse multimedia organization. The numerous collaborations with hundreds of brands and organizations as online media partner and brand ambassador makes WazzupPilipinas.com a truly successful advocate of everything about the Philippines, and even more since its support extends further to even international organizations including startups and SMEs that have made our country their second home.