Typhoon Tino’s Deadly Toll: 52; Flood Control Scandal Engulfs Philippine Politics

Typhoon Tino’s Deadly Toll: 52; Flood Control Scandal Engulfs Philippine Politics

By Bing Jabadan and Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | November 5, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – The devastation wrought by Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) has left a trail of death and destruction across the Visayan region, with the official death toll now at 52, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Thousands remain homeless after the typhoon unleashed torrential rains and powerful winds, triggering widespread flooding and landslides.

The hardest-hit area is Central Visayas, where 50 fatalities have been reported.

“Some were buried, some were hit by falling objects, and many drowned,” said Joel Erestain, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VII, painting a grim picture of the typhoon’s impact.

He noted that the unexpected intensity of the flash floods contributed to the high number of casualties, sweeping away residents who had evacuated from low-lying areas.

Across the regions, a staggering 706,549 people (203,595 families) have been impacted, with hundreds of thousands seeking refuge in evacuation centers.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed rescue teams across Cebu to assist in ongoing evacuation and relief operations.

While the nation grapples with the immediate aftermath of Typhoon Tino, a separate crisis is brewing in the political arena.

Flood Control Scandal Erupts, Shadowing Relief Efforts

A flood control scandal is threatening to further destabilize the country, with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommending criminal charges against prominent political figures, including Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, and former Albay representative Zaldy Co.

Charges stem from allegations of bribery, corruption, and plunder related to the allocation of funds for vital flood control projects.

According to the ICI, the officials, along with other individuals, allegedly received kickbacks ranging from 20 to 30 percent of project values in exchange for lucrative flood control contracts.

The commission alleges that funds were illicitly inserted into the National Expenditure Program, either during its initial drafting or during crucial bicameral conference committee meetings.

“The ‘modus operandi’ involved a lawmaker informing a DPWH district engineer about secured funding for flood control projects, due to their higher kickback potential,” explained ICI Chairman Andres Reyes Jr.

However, the absence of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s name from the list of those facing charges has ignited controversy and fueled speculation of political protection.

Despite the widespread nature of the alleged scheme and the involvement of numerous lawmakers, Romualdez’s apparent immunity from scrutiny has raised serious questions about the impartiality of the investigation.

The Office of the Ombudsman is now tasked with conducting its own investigation based on the ICI’s recommendations.

The public is demanding accountability and transparency, eager to see if justice will be served without delay.

The flood control scandal casts a dark shadow over the ongoing relief efforts for Typhoon Tino victims, raising concerns about the proper allocation of resources and the potential for corruption to further exacerbate the suffering of those affected by the disaster.

As the investigation unfolds, the nation watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will restore faith in the integrity of public institutions and ensure that those responsible for these alleged crimes are brought to justice.

The case promises to be a crucial test of the country’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring the proper allocation of public funds, especially in times of crisis.