Monsoon Devastation Grips the Philippines
The Philippines is reeling from an unusually intense monsoon season that has brought unprecedented flooding to much of the nation. Low-lying towns and major cities like Manila have been submerged, with roads turning into rivers and entire communities marooned. Hospitals are grappling with outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as leptospirosis, adding to the public health crisis sparked by the deluge.
Seasonal flooding is not new to the South East Asian country, but the scale of destruction this year has amplified public frustration. The heavy rains in July and continuing into September have exposed critical failures in infrastructure and disaster preparedness, leaving millions of Filipinos struggling to cope with the aftermath.
Corruption Allegations in Flood Control Projects
Amid the flooding crisis, allegations of corruption and mismanagement in government-funded flood control projects have ignited widespread anger. Since 2022, the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has allocated over 545 billion pesos (approximately US$9.5 billion) for flood management initiatives. However, many of these projects have been labeled as 'ghost projects' due to a lack of visible progress or evidence of construction, despite the massive funding.
A preliminary probe revealed that billions of dollars have been poured into these initiatives with little accountability. In his fourth State of the Nation Address in July 2025, President Marcos claimed over 5,500 flood control projects had been implemented, with plans for ten large-scale projects costing more than 500 billion pesos over the next 13 years. Yet, critics argue that substandard construction and the alleged funneling of contracts to favored contractors have undermined these efforts, leaving the country vulnerable.
The Department of Public Works and Highways has defended the projects as urgent measures to mitigate flooding, particularly in Metro Manila. However, public skepticism remains high, especially as social media posts from the children of contractors and politicians—often referred to as 'nepo babies'—flaunt lavish lifestyles, fueling perceptions that taxpayer money has been diverted for personal gain.
Public Fury Targets 'Nepo Babies' and Calls for Accountability
The term 'nepo babies' has become a focal point of public outrage, referring to the offspring of powerful politicians and contractors who display extravagant wealth online. These social media displays have become symbols of alleged corruption, as Filipinos question why billions allocated for flood control have not translated into tangible results while certain families appear to prosper.
President Marcos has responded by ordering 'lifestyle checks' on government officials and initiating a review of flood control contracts. Public sentiment, as seen on various posts on X, reflects deep betrayal among citizens who feel their taxes are being misused. The anger is palpable, with many demanding transparency and accountability from those in power.
As the floods continue to disrupt daily life, the controversy over corruption and nepotism has galvanized calls for reform. Filipinos are increasingly vocal about the need for competent leadership and an end to systemic corruption, hoping that this crisis will spur meaningful change in how public funds are managed and infrastructure projects are executed.