Photo from GMA News

Article by Noriko Yamamoto

A survey released on Tuesday, October 14, conducted by research and polling organization OCTA Research, revealed that 68% of the Filipino respondents want corrupt officials and contractors involved in the flood control controversy to be held accountable.

In the survey, the majority of the participants questioned why no charges have been filed yet despite the mounting evidence and public reports.

The results also show the public’s growing desire for accountability, transparency, and decisive action from the government. 

With this, a press briefing was held at the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), where the Malacañang Palace urged the public to remain calm following the widespread outrage over the alleged corruption in the government’s flood control projects.

PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro assured the public that the government is taking deliberate steps to ensure that the case is handled properly.

“Kalma lang… Hindi po kasi ito nadadaan sa agad-agaran,” Castro told Palace reporters, explaining that rushing the process could jeopardize the case.

She added that it would be unacceptable to file multiple cases only for them to be dismissed due to weak or incomplete evidence.

“As a lawyer myself, I know the proper processes and the right way to present evidence,” Castro said.

Malacañang also urged the public to remain patient as the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) continues its investigation into the alleged anomalies.

“Hayaan natin sila na makapag-ipon ng mga ebidensya… Hintayin na lang natin ang magiging magandang trabaho ng ICI,” Castro added.

According to Castro, several of the 19,000 reports submitted through “Sumbong sa Pangulo,” a citizen-reporting website launched by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., have already been forwarded to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDEV).

She explained that the DepDEV’s inspection findings will be submitted to the ICI for further evaluation and case preparation.

Moreover, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who has been linked to alleged kickback schemes alongside former lawmaker Zaldy Co, also vowed full transparency with the ICI to help expedite the investigation earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, various civil society groups are organizing protest actions demanding the swift prosecution of those found guilty and the recovery of billions of pesos in taxpayers’ money.