Kleptocrats in the Crosshairs: Philippine Government Cancels Festivities as Graft Allegations Swirl Amid Disaster

Department of Transportation  Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez

Kleptocrats in the Crosshairs: Philippine Government Cancels Festivities as Graft Allegations Swirl Amid Disaster

By Bing Jabadan and Wilma N. Yamzon – The Nationweek.Com | November 6, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – As the Philippines grapples with the devastating aftermath of recent earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and volcanic eruptions, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration is attempting to project an image of austerity.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has canceled its annual year-end performance assessment gathering, citing the need to show solidarity with suffering Filipinos.

But critics argue that this symbolic gesture is a smokescreen, deflecting attention from rampant corruption that exacerbated the impact of these very disasters.

“Large-scale celebrations are deemed prudent and sensitive to forego this year,” stated Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez in a memorandum, acknowledging the hardships endured by countless citizens.

The decision, he added, also reflects concerns about the disbursement of government funds and the allocation of valuable time and effort.

Floodgates of Corruption Open in Wake of Calamity:

The move comes as public outrage intensifies over allegations that corruption is a key factor in the severity of the flood damage.

Accusations are mounting against a network of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers, contractors, congressmen, and senators, accused of siphoning trillions of pesos from flood control “ghost projects.”

These phantom initiatives, critics say, leave communities vulnerable and defenseless against floods.

Ombudsman Vows to Jail Culprits by Christmas

Amid the mounting pressure, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has vowed swift action.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, who filed corruption charges against several individuals, including former DPWH-Bulacan district engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza, and contractor Sarah Discaya of St. Timothy Corp., declared that “these individuals could be behind bars by Christmas.”

The charges include violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Government Procurement Reform Act, and malversation of public funds.

“I think they will all be spending their Christmas in jail,” Dizon declared, echoing Remulla’s commitment to prioritizing cases involving stolen billions meant for flood control.

Dizon expressed confidence in the evidence gathered, including resident affidavits detailing alleged ghost projects and substandard flood control structures in the country.

Further bolstering the anti-corruption efforts, authorities have frozen nearly P5.2 billion in assets linked to corrupt individuals and politicians, including their bank accounts, insurance policies, motor vehicles, real estate, and e-wallets.

An immigration lookout bulletin order has also been issued against 92 individuals of interest.

“President Marcos assures (the people) that the government’s efforts to hold all those responsible accountable will not end here. The fight against corruption will continue,” a statement from the president’s office affirmed.

Empty Gesture or Real Change?

While the cancellation of lavish parties and the Ombudsman’s tough talk offer a glimmer of hope, critics remain skeptical.

They argue that true solidarity with disaster victims lies not in symbolic gestures, but in dismantling the systemic corruption that fuels their vulnerability.

Accountability, they insist, demands more than just arrests; it requires fundamental reforms to ensure that public funds are used effectively and transparently to protect communities from future calamities.

The true test of the government’s commitment will be whether it can deliver justice, recover stolen assets, and implement lasting reforms to prevent future exploitation of public trust.