Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has confirmed that seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the country’s expanding corruption scandal involving so-called “ghost” flood-control projects—an alleged scheme that may have cost the Philippines more than 118.5 billion pesos (USD $2 billion).

The scandal, one of the largest public infrastructure corruption cases in recent Philippine history, has triggered mass public outrage, government investigations, and multiple arrest operations across the country and abroad.

Seven Arrested, Multiple Suspects Still at Large

In a video message posted on Facebook, President Marcos revealed that the arrests were linked to an initial batch of indictments by the Sandiganbayan, the Philippines’ anti-corruption court. These indictments represent the first of what officials say will be many more cases targeting fraudulent flood control and infrastructure projects.

Marcos stated that two additional suspects have expressed willingness to surrender voluntarily, while seven more remain fugitives. He issued a stark warning to those aiding them:

“To the rest, give up,” Marcos declared, naming Zaldy Co, a former House representative and one of the most prominent figures in the scandal.

Co’s family reportedly owns Sunwest Corporation, the construction firm responsible for a 289-million-peso flood control project in Oriental Mindoro—one of the first projects being closely examined for irregularities.

Manhunt Extends Beyond Philippine Borders

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that Co is believed to be outside the country. Authorities say three other suspects are preparing to surrender at Philippine embassies in the United States, New Zealand, and Jordan, after which they will be flown back to Manila.

“No matter where you are in the world, we will find you,” Remulla said as officials displayed mug shots of the arrested suspects. According to Philippine media outlet Rappler, the list of detained individuals includes eight DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) officials, among them regional directors, engineers, and a bidding and awards committee accountant.

Billions Lost to ‘Ghost Projects’ Spark Public Outrage

The corruption scandal erupted in September after thousands of Filipinos protested in Manila, demanding transparency and justice. The Department of Finance later estimated that the alleged fraudulent projects may have drained up to 118.5 billion pesos from public funds.

President Marcos formed a special commission two months ago to investigate the scandal, pledging a sweeping cleanup of government corruption. He vowed that senators, House members, and influential business figures implicated in the scandal will be “jailed before Christmas.”

High-Profile Names Pulled Into Investigations

The scandal has ensnared powerful individuals including:

• Representative Martin Romualdez, Marcos’s cousin and former House Speaker, who has stepped down amid allegations but denies wrongdoing.
• Former Senate President Francis Escudero, accused of receiving kickbacks, has also resigned and firmly rejects the accusations.

Public anger has intensified due to reports of mansions, private jets, fleets of luxury cars, and suitcases of cash allegedly linked to corruption beneficiaries. As outrage grows, major demonstrations—including one organized for November 30 with support from the influential Roman Catholic Church—are expected to draw nationwide participation.

Flooding Disasters Add Urgency to the Scandal

The Philippines, made up of more than 7,600 islands, is among the world’s most flood-prone nations. Many poor communities say the corruption scandal has left them dangerously exposed due to unfinished or nonexistent flood-control projects.

The urgency intensified this month when two super typhoons struck the country within a single week, killing more than 250 people. Experts warn that climate change is amplifying storm intensity across Southeast Asia and that proper flood-control infrastructure is critical to saving lives in future disasters.

As the corruption investigation widens, Filipinos are demanding transparency, justice, and urgent action to rebuild both infrastructure and public trust.