Philippine groups demand independent investigation of ‘excessive corruption’

An alliance of 30 influential Philippine business and civic organisations is demanding an independent investigation into what it describes as “excessive corruption” linked to government infrastructure projects.
The call for action comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed last month the results of an internal audit into flood control projects, revealing troubling patterns of irregularity.
Key findings showed that out of 545 billion pesos ($9.63 billion) in flood control spending since 2022, thousands of projects were either substandard, poorly documented, or non-existent.
Some carried identical costs despite being in different locations, and only 15 out of more than 2,000 accredited contractors cornered 20% of the total budget.
The allegations have spurred legislative inquiries in both chambers of Congress, and Marcos has said he will create an independent commission to investigate “these nefarious activities.”