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Seven Arrested as Philippine Flood-Control Corruption Probe Widens; More Suspects Sought

Key points: Seven suspects have been detained and several more are being sought in a major corruption probe into flood-control projects in the Philippines. Prosecutors have indicted an initial group of more than a dozen, including former lawmaker Zaldy Co and public works engineers, at the Sandiganbayan. President Marcos Jr. has vowed further arrests and prosecutions by Christmas as investigators pursue additional suspects and seek to address longstanding graft that undermined flood defenses.

12:00 PM, 11/24/2025Politics

MANILA — Philippine authorities have detained seven suspects and are seeking several more in a widening corruption probe tied to flood-control projects, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday. The arrests were presented by officials as a response to growing public outrage over widespread irregularities that have implicated influential lawmakers and contractors.

Observers and government officials say entrenched graft left flood-control works substandard, incomplete, or non-existent across the country, increasing vulnerability to deadly floods and extreme weather in a nation frequently hit by storms. Many of the affected areas are among the poorest, amplifying the human and economic toll when flood defenses fail.

Prosecutors have filed indictments at the Sandiganbayan, the Philippines' special anti-corruption court, against an initial group of more than a dozen suspects. That list includes former House member Zaldy Co and engineers from the public works agency. Authorities say this is the opening wave of what could become dozens of criminal graft cases involving lawmakers, public officials, and construction company owners.

President Marcos pledged further action, saying implicated senators, members of the House and private contractors would face arrest and prosecution by Christmas. The developments have deepened public concern about political patronage and corruption—an issue that has previously toppled presidents in the Philippines, including Marcos's late father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

Investigations and legal proceedings are expected to continue as investigators pursue additional suspects and gather evidence. Officials have said they aim to improve transparency in procurement and oversight to prevent future failures in critical infrastructure projects.

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Seven Arrested as Philippine Flood-Control Corruption Probe Widens; More Suspects Sought - CRBC News