The Philippine government has launched one of its most sweeping anti-corruption crackdowns in years, arresting seven individuals linked to a multi-million-peso scandal involving allegedly fraudulent flood-control projects and signalling that even higher-ranking officials may soon face charges. The operation, led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., marks a decisive-though controversial-moment in Manila’s attempt to restore public trust amid mounting outrage over “ghost” infrastructure programs.

Authorities confirmed on November 25 that more arrests are expected in the coming weeks after seven suspects were detained in connection with what officials describe as extensive “anomalies” within government-funded flood-control projects. These arrests represent the first wave under warrants issued on November 22, naming 16 individuals believed to be involved in what investigators call an entrenched network of bribery, contract manipulation, and plunder.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla did not mince words about the scale of the ongoing probe or the stature of those expected to be implicated. “Big fish are coming soon,” he declared. “We should expect the Visayas, senators, congressmen in the next five weeks. They will be arraigned one after the other.” His remarks suggest that the corruption scandal may reach deeper into the country’s political establishment than initially anticipated.

The suspects, now facing charges of plunder, violations of anti-graft laws, and indirect bribery, mark only the beginning. At least several of the 16 named individuals........

© Blitz