Manila, Philippines – August 2025
MANILA, Philippines — Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua of Quirino has exposed a massive corruption scheme involving flood control projects in the country.
The governor, who is also the president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, revealed that some contractors, with close ties to corrupt local government officials, managed to secure flood control projects without undergoing proper public bidding.
In a recent interview with dzBB, Gov. Cua shared a troubling example from his province. A mayor, who he did not identify, requested flood control projects worth hundreds of millions of pesos, despite the fact that the town required more urgent infrastructure projects like hospitals, farm-to-market roads, and classrooms.
The Corruption Scheme Behind Flood Control Projects
Gov. Cua explained that the mayor involved, who was present on the day of President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025, directed barangay officials to sign requests for the flood control projects. The request prioritized millions of pesos for flood control projects, even though the town had more pressing needs.
According to Cua, the contractor, who had close ties to the mayor, had already “bought” these projects even before they went through the proper channels.
“It is clear that contractors had already secured these projects before any public bidding took place,” said Gov. Cua. “This system undermines the law and is not in the best interest of the people,” he added.
The Need for Better Governance and Transparency
In response to these revelations, Gov. Cua expressed strong support for President Marcos’ decision to implement a lifestyle check on all government officials, starting with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This measure aims to uncover corrupt practices and hold government officials accountable for their actions.
Cua emphasized that the people deserve better and that local governments should focus on the essential infrastructure needed to improve the lives of their constituents. He reiterated that hospitals, classrooms, and farm-to-market roads should be prioritized, not projects that are primarily driven by corruption.
Mayors for Good Governance React to the Scheme
Amid the growing controversy, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte announced that over 70 mayors had joined the Mayors for Good Governance group. This movement was created in response to the growing corruption allegations surrounding flood control projects. The initiative aims to push for full transparency, accountability, and justice in infrastructure projects across the country.
“The people are demanding transparency, and we are committed to providing it,” Mayor Belmonte said. She also highlighted that many mayors were joining the movement due to public pressure, with constituents asking why their local leaders had not signed up to fight corruption.
Investigating Quezon City’s Flood Control Projects
Mayor Belmonte also revealed that 141 flood control projects in Quezon City are now under review. Many of these projects were carried out without proper consultation with the city government, raising questions about their legitimacy and effectiveness.
The ongoing review aims to ensure that these projects meet the standards of good governance and are truly in the best interest of the citizens.
A National Call for Accountability
Other mayors, such as Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, have expressed their full support for President Marcos’ determination to address corruption. Magalong praised the president’s focus on government accountability and the prosecution of officials involved in graft.
“It is not enough to talk about corruption. We need action,” Mayor Magalong stated. “I believe President Marcos is committed to rooting out corruption and ensuring that government officials serve the people.”
Conclusion
Gov. Cua’s revelation about the corruption tied to flood control projects highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within the government.
With the support of Mayors for Good Governance and President Marcos‘ push for lifestyle checks and accountability, there is hope that these issues will be addressed and that the people’s interests will once again take priority in infrastructure development.
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