Manny Pacquiao Hits Corrupt Officials as Flood Control Issue Unfolds
MANNY PACQUIAO — The boxing legend and former senator has criticized those involved in the Philippines’ flood control corruption scandal.
He said that if he had won the presidency, those responsible would already be in jail. He continues to pray that the country finally achieves true justice. Pacquiao also acknowledged the current administration’s efforts in exposing irregularities, saying these revelations have raised public awareness about widespread corruption. He added that he had already exposed problems in infrastructure projects when he was a lawmaker, with complete evidence, but the public dismissed his claims at the time.
The flood control issue has grown into a major national scandal. Government audits found hundreds of “ghost” or poorly built flood control projects—structures that were nonexistent, substandard, or misplaced despite full payment from public funds. Authorities have filed multiple criminal complaints, including charges of stealing public money and abuse of authority, against several high-profile officials linked to these projects.
A key development occurred in January 2026, when former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. surrendered after a court issued a warrant for his arrest and a hold-departure order for him and six others over a ₱92.8-million ghost flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan. Revilla posted ₱90,000 bail for graft charges but remains detained at Quezon City Jail because a separate malversation case is non-bailable. Jail authorities confirmed that his personal gadgets and unauthorized clothing were barred, and he has been placed with other inmates.
The Department of Justice has also summoned other prominent figures, including Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan. The scandal has sparked public outrage and increased scrutiny of government spending. The Department of Public Works and Highways continues to inspect thousands of flood control projects, with hundreds already flagged as irregular or nonexistent, highlighting serious problems in project monitoring and accountability.