As the country dropped further in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Malacañang assured the public that investigations into the alleged multibillion-peso flood control infrastructure scandal continues to emphasize that more officials may still be held accountable.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. remained ‘committed’ to pursuing cases related to the controversy and had not lost interest despite public criticism.
“The President has not lost interest in holding accountable anyone who should be held accountable,” Castro said.
She added the administration was continuing its review of findings submitted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
The report, which covered a 125-day investigation and examined projects implemented over the past decade, would guide the President on whether to retain or dissolve the commission.
During its five months of operation, the ICI recommended filing criminal charges against 65 individuals, including lawmakers, public works officials and private contractors.
The investigation also led to coordination with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), which secured court orders freezing more than 6,700 bank accounts and assets worth ₱24.7 billion.
Meanwhile, the undersecretary mentioned that exposing the alleged irregularities was part of the administration’s effort to uncover previously hidden transactions.
“Once the President exposed the infrastructure corruption scandal, investigations followed. This is exactly what the President wanted,” she stated.
She noted the administration was focused on ensuring accountability while also addressing economic concerns.
Castro maintained that the lower ranking reflected the exposure of past irregularities rather than inaction by the government.
“When investigations began, things that had previously been hidden were brought to light,” she stressed, adding that the President was “cleaning up corruption that happened in the past.”
The Palace said the public would eventually see improvements as cases move forward and reforms are implemented.
Moreover, Transparency International cited that public anger over alleged misuse of funds in flood control projects contributed to protests—calling for accountability.
“In [the] climate-change impacted Philippines, citizens were outraged by allegations that a substantial amount of public funds were lost to a fake flood relief project,” the report mentioned.
To recall, the developments came as the Philippines dropped further in the 2025 CPI released by watchdog group Transparency International.
The country ranked 120th out of 182 countries, its third straight year of decline in the global corruption rankings.
The Philippines posted a score of 32 out of 100, lower than its 34 rating in 2023 and 33 in 2024, and below both the global average of 42 and the Asia-Pacific regional average of 45.
Within Southeast Asia, the Philippines ranked below Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos and Thailand, with only Cambodia and Myanmar placing lower.
The CPI measured public sector corruption indicators such as bribery, diversion of public funds, abuse of public office, lack of financial transparency, and weak legal protection for whistleblowers.
Written by Ericko Malimban, Insight PH
Ericko Malimban, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
