Karen Davila Speaks Up Against Corruption
KAREN DAVILA — The veteran ABS-CBN journalist sparked discussions online after posting a strong statement about what she called “corruption-shaming,” or openly calling out corrupt acts in the country.
Her post came as Filipinos voiced anger over reports of massive corruption in multi-billion peso flood control projects linked to contractors working with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Adding fuel to the outrage were viral posts showing the “nepo babies,” or children of those allegedly involved, flaunting their lavish lifestyles on social media.
On her X (formerly Twitter) account, Davila wrote: “KURAKOT SHAMING. It’s high time. Sa ibang bansa, ang nagnanakaw sa gobyerno nakukulong o naghaharakiri. Sa Pilipinas, kina-iinggitan. Tama na.”
Many netizens strongly agreed with Davila’s post and expressed anger over how corruption continues to burden ordinary Filipinos. Some pointed out that corruption has even cost lives and urged the media to be braver in exposing those involved. Others highlighted the unfairness of hardworking citizens paying high taxes, only to see their money stolen and wasted by politicians and contractors.
Several supported the idea of “kurakot-shaming,” saying even the families of corrupt officials should be called out. However, others argued that shaming alone is not enough, as some officials seem unaffected and even proud. They stressed that true accountability requires jail time, the recovery of stolen funds, and a strong push for genuine education and moral reform to end systemic corruption.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is under heavy scrutiny over alleged “ghost” flood control projects — some poorly built, others never constructed despite being marked as completed. The controversy began in Bulacan, where projects worth millions were discovered unfinished but already declared done. In response, President Marcos froze ₱80 billion in infrastructure funds and ordered the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct a fraud investigation.
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