top of page

Controversy in Flood Control Projects: What You Should Know

Flood Control Projects are defined by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as “engineering works that, individually or in combination, provide flood protection and reduce flood damage”. 


These can be in the form of river control structures such as dikes, floodwalls, floodways, and dams. A notable example of an effective flood control project is the Jaro Floodway in Iloilo, which introduced Mangroves within the channel.


Although flood control projects are supposed to help the community by reducing the strength of flooding caused by typhoons, the increasing amount and intensity of flooding—even in places that don’t often flood—have made citizens wonder: are the flood control projects even effective?


Within the approximately 5,500 reportedly completed flood control projects since 2022, investigations began on August 19, 2025 by the DPWH and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee headed by its chairperson—Panfilo Lacson. Their evaluations have found numerous sub-standard and “ghost” projects—reflecting the devastating floods in many parts of the country this year.


An initial review on August 11 by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the DPWH revealed that approximately ₱100 billion worth of 20% of all flood control projects in the past three years were undertaken by only 15 contractors. These projects are being linked to an alleged corruption within the DPWH.


Furthermore, a report by the Department of Finance on September 2 estimated that the Philippines “may have lost around ₱42.3 billion to ₱118.5 billion in the last two years due to corruption in flood control projects”.  

Some government and DPWH officials may be tied to the scandal, possibly receiving kickbacks—illegal monetary compensation—in order to approve of “ghost” or substandard flood control projects. 


Additionally, the Department of Justice has placed an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order on September 4, 2025, for 43 contractors and DPWH officials allegedly involved in the anomalous flood control projects. This is done as a preventive measure for these individuals who may try to flee the country. 


Among these contractors, lawmakers, and other officials suspected of being involved in this scandal and the individuals who are trying to uncover the corruption, here are the more discussed individuals:



Ex-DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan & DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon


According to ABS-CBN, Manuel Bonoan was the DPWH Secretary until September 1, 2025. He has alleged ties to the corruption due to her daughter being an executive of MBB Global Properties Corporation and a business partner of Globalcrate Builders, which secured at least P2 billion in flood control projects from 2018 to 2024. Bonoan’s possible involvement remains under investigation, and no formal charges have been made as of this writing. 


Vince Dizon is the newly-appointed DPWH Secretary since September 1, 2025, who replaced Manuel Bonoan. Dizon is leading a crackdown on the flood control project anomalies, ordering the courtesy resignations of dozens of DPWH officials as part of the agency’s internal reforms. 



Sarah & Curlee Discaya


Dubbed by the media as the “Queen and King of Flood Control Projects,” they are the owners of Alpha and Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corp. and St. Timothy Construction Corporation—two of the top 15 firms that accumulated around ₱100 Billion in the last three years. They first gained traction after lifestyle interviews where they showed their collection of at least 40 luxury cars.


Recent reviews have raised concerns about the substandard quality of their projects, with some allegedly classified as “ghost flood projects”. These anomalies also raised concerns about the procurement process of the project, including allegations that the one who gets the project has already been pre-determined at times. 


In recent senate hearings, the Discayas named several lawmakers and DPWH officials whom they claimed to be part of anomalous flood control projects. All individuals named have denied the accusations. 



Former Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara & Engineer Brice Hernandez


Former Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara was recently exposed by his former deputy, Brice Hernandez, as a "chief implementor" or key figure in the kickback scheme of the flood control controversy, subsequently dismissed by the DPWH and found guilty of grave misconduct on September 5 due to signing off on ghost projects in his district in Bulacan. 


Now a whistleblower in the flood control corruption probe, Brice Hernandez has been making numerous allegations implicating the involvement of various government officials in this scandal. 



Senators Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, Francis Escudero, and Rep. Zaldy Co


Sen. Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, and Rep. Zaldy Co have allegedly been receiving kickbacks from ghost/substandard flood control projects. In a senate hearing on September 19, Brice Hernandez accused Estrada of being part of a ₱350 million budget insertion in Bulacan, with 30 percent going to kickbacks—and that Villanueva received 30% in ₱600 million worth of flood control projects in 2023. Sen. Ping Lacson confirmed these claims as matching items in the national budget. 


On the other hand, Rep. Zaldy Co has connections with SunWest Inc. and Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corp, which are also part of the top 15 government contractors allocated ₱100 billion. He has been accused of being the proponent of budgetary insertions, including funds for flood control and other infrastructure projects. Co is currently being called on to answer these allegations, yet has been missing since leaving the U.S. on September 13.


All three of them deny the claims.


Separately, Senator Francis Escudero admitted to receiving a ₱30 million campaign donation from Lawrence Lubiano of Centerways Construction, one of the top 15 government contractors within the last three years. In total, Centerways received ₱5.16 billion for 85 flood control projects—54 of which are in Sorsogon, where Escudero is based.


Following the controversy, he was ousted as Senate President of the Philippines and was replaced by veteran senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. 



Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez & House Speaker Faustino Dy III


Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has been named in relation to anomalies in flood control projects. Amidst public scrutiny, Romualdez resigned, stating that his resignation was to restore the trust of the people—protecting nobody if they are proven guilty. Even so, he will still face consequences if ever he is found to be involved. 


In replacement to Romualdez, House Speaker Faustino Dy III was elected by 253 votes. Recently, he has expressed his favor for stopping the investigations into the flood control projects. The reason for this statement was his belief that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) should be the one investigating instead of the House of Representatives—believing that Filipinos do not trust the discussions.


In light of this issue, the Filipino people have started speaking and acting out for anti-corruption across the country through public demonstrations. From the Black Friday Protests on September 12 to the Baha Sa Luneta and Trillion Peso March on September 21, many people gathered to demand accountability and punishment for those involved in the issue. 


Peaceful protests were used to voice out their anger and frustration at the situation—not only because of the greed of these individuals, but at the amount of suffering the people and country have been facing for years due to the corruption.


The response of the people to the situation at hand says more than any number of words can. From the different generations, to different ethnic and religious groups—the people of this country have been opening their eyes wider and wider, with voices growing louder and louder. 


The Philippines may be a beautiful country, but it will only continue to be if both the citizens and the government act justly to keep it that way. 


The struggle goes on, as many Filipinos are realizing that they are not fighting for a single party or group, but against corruption itself. “Ang tao, ang bayan—ngayon ay lumalaban!”


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


References:

Untitled design (8).png

The Phoenix is Manresa School's official publication. Managed by students from the Senior High School Department, we at The Phoenix are committed to being the voice that allows Manresans to rise from the ashes—becoming self-actualized, lifelong learners.

Senior High School Department

Manresa School Bb. Ramona Tirona Parañaque

1720 Metro Manila, Philippines

Untitled design (8).png

© 2025 The Phoenix.

bottom of page