Ghost Flood Control Projects: The Hidden Web of Corruption in Congress

Billions of pesos have been poured into flood-control projects across the Philippines. These projects were meant to protect communities from disaster — yet floods continue to ravage many areas. The question is: where did all the money go?

This question grew louder on 8 September 2025, when the Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya couple testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, exposing what they claimed to be a massive network of corruption behind flood-control projects. According to their statement, many of these projects are “ghost projects” — approved, budgeted, and even marked “completed,” yet no real construction ever took place.

Lawmakers Named in the Testimony

• Roman Romulo (Pasig City)
• Jojo Ang (Uswag Ilonggo Party-list)
• Patrick Michael Vargas (Quezon City)
• Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde (Quezon City)
• Nicanor “Nikki” Briones (Agap Party-list)
• Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro (Marikina)
• Florida Robes (San Jose del Monte, Bulacan)
• Eleandro Jesus “Eleandro” Madrona (Romblon)
• Benjamin “Benjie” Agarao Jr.
• Florencio Gabriel “Bem Noel” Noel (An-waray Party-list)
• Leody “Ode” Tarriela (Occidental Mindoro)
• Reynante “Reynan” Arogancia (Quezon)
• Marivic Co-Pilar (Quezon City)
• Teodorico “Teodoro” Haresco (Aklan)
• Antonieta Yudela (Zamboanga Sibugay)
• Dean Asistio (Caloocan City)

The Discayas’ claim painted a disturbing picture — that the flood-control budget was being used as a tool for corruption, allegedly controlled by powerful political figures like Martin Romualdez and Zaldy Co, whom critics accuse of being the “masterminds” behind the system.

If these allegations are true, then the flood-control program has become a flood of corruption instead of protection. Billions meant to save lives and prevent disasters may have been diverted to private pockets.

The Filipino people deserve transparency, accountability, and justice. Every peso of taxpayers’ money must go to real projects — not to “ghost flood control projects” that only exist in reports and speeches.

Sources

• GMA Integrated News - Discaya couple names gov’t execs allegedly linked to flood control projects (8 Sept 2025)
• Philippine Daily Inquirer - Discaya tags lawmakers, DPWH officials in flood control mess (8 Sept 2025)
• Manila Bulletin - Discayas name lawmakers, DPWH execs tied to alleged kick-back scheme (8 Sept 2025)
• Philippine News Agency - Senate summons 5 contractors, 3 DPWH execs to hearing (4 Sept 2025)