Politics Tulfo Urges DOJ Action on Alleged Flood Project Scandal

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Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin

 

Senator Erwin Tulfo is pressing the Philippine Department of Justice to take decisive action against individuals linked to alleged fraudulent and substandard flood control projects. This call to action follows revelations of mismanagement involving contractors, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, and politicians.

 

In a recent interview, Tulfo declared, “They stole trillions of pesos from the Filipino people, so they must be held accountable.” His strong stance comes in the wake of President Bongbong Marcos and Senator Panfilo Lacson's findings about non-existent or subpar projects, which Tulfo believes justify immediate legal proceedings.

 

The crux of Tulfo's argument highlights a glaring discrepancy in justice. "If a shoplifter can be jailed for stealing something worth less than a hundred pesos, then those who plundered trillions in public funds must face even harsher consequences," he asserted.

 

The DPWH has reportedly allocated ₱1.2 trillion on flood control initiatives since 2011, translating to nearly 731 billion Thai Baht. However, President Marcos disclosed that a small group of 15 contractors secured around 20 percent of these contracts, equating to approximately ₱100 billion (61 billion Thai Baht).

 

Among these contractors, five are allegedly leasing their licenses: Legacy Construction Corp., Alpha and Omega General Contractor and Development, St. Timothy Construction, EGB Construction, and Road Edge Trading & Development Services. Furthermore, three contractors reportedly engaged in fictitious projects in Bulacan are Wawao Builders, SYMS Construction, and Darcy and Anna Builders, as previously exposed by Senator Lacson.

 

Tulfo pointedly criticised complicit politicians: "At the end of the day, the blame lies with certain politicians. Because of the excessive kickbacks they demanded—ranging from 20 to 25 percent—contractors were forced to deliver substandard work or worse, no project at all."

 

This scandal not only underscores systemic corruption but also highlights the dire need for accountability in handling public funds. Tulfo's call for justice seeks to address the significant financial losses at the expense of taxpayer money.

 

For many Filipinos, these flood control projects were supposed to mitigate the effects of regular seasonal flooding, impacting thousands of lives annually. Instead, the alleged misuse of funds has left infrastructures either non-existent or below standard, with public welfare paying the price.

 

As this situation unfolds, Filipino citizens will be watching closely to see if significant judicial action is taken. Tulfo's insistence represents not just a push for justice but also a demand for transparency and reform in government dealings, particularly in infrastructure development.

 

His statements have resonated with the public, who are eager for an era where accountability and integrity are at the forefront of governance. The coming days could prove pivotal, not just for those implicated but for the country's broader political and economic landscape.

 

This saga raises important questions about the repercussions for those in power and the mechanisms in place to prevent such occurrences in the future. As the story develops, it may become a landmark case in the fight against corruption in the Philippines.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-08-25