Philippine flood corruption scandal deepens with first charges over ghost projects

Former congressman Elizaldy Co and public works officials were charged for a ‘grossly’ substandard road dyke project in Oriental Mindoro province

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A car is seen partially submerged in floodwater in Quezon City, Philippines, in August. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 6:10pm, 18 Nov 2025

Philippine prosecutors filed on Tuesday the first criminal charges in a sweeping corruption scandal over bogus flood control projects, promising “many” more indictments in the case that has prompted public ire and protests.

Rage over so-called ghost infrastructure, believed to have cost taxpayers billions of dollars, has been building for months, ever since President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr put the issue centre stage in a July address after weeks of deadly flooding.

Scores of construction firm owners, government officials and lawmakers in the archipelago country have been accused of pocketing funds for substandard projects.

On Tuesday, the ombudsman’s office unveiled charges against former congressman Elizaldy Co, public works officials and members of a construction firm over their ties to a “grossly” substandard road dyke in Oriental Mindoro province.

The charges include falsification of documents, misuse of public funds and graft law violations.

Former Philippine congressman Elizaldy Co was charged in a sweeping corruption scandal over bogus flood control projects. Photo: Handout

“Public funds were meant to protect communities from flooding, not to enrich officials or private contractors,” ombudsman spokesman Mico Clavano told a press briefing.

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