Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday denounced the alleged diversion of billions in flood control funds, calling the scheme “criminal” and admitting he was “furious” over the reports.
In an interview, Teodoro said the corruption of funds meant to provide relief from flooding was criminal, noting that many Filipinos die from heavy inundation every year.
“Billions of funds intended to rescue people (allegedly) went to the pockets of the few. This is a great crime against the public,” said Teodoro, who also heads the country’s principal disaster agency.
“They are aware of persistent deaths due to lack of flood control,” he added.
At recent congressional hearings, government contractors and public works officials accused some politicians of receiving kickbacks from projects funded by the budget insertions they proposed or lobbied in the national spending program. They all denied the allegation.
The government has also launched a separate independent probe to look into the flood control scandal. “The credibility of this investigation is a litmus test for all our institutions,” Teodoro said.
On Tuesday, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) emphasized the need to protect disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) workers who are facing hazards during search and rescue operations.
“As DRRM workers, both at the national and local level, it hurts us that projects which are supposed to help our work are instead being used for the benefit of some, while making it difficult for the majority,” said OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo said.
Castillo welcomed the passage of two recent laws: the Ligtas Pinoy Center Act, which mandates permanent evacuation centers nationwide, and the State of Imminent Disaster Act, which allows anticipatory action and quicker access to disaster funds.
However, he stressed that one more crucial measure remains pending: the Magna Carta for DRRM Workers.
On Sunday, thousands of Filipinos trooped to the streets nationwide in the biggest anti-corruption demonstrations yet under the Marcos government, demanding jail time for corrupt politicians and the recovery of stolen taxpayers’ money.
The Philippines is hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons each year, putting millions of people in disaster-prone areas in a state of constant poverty.
