Written by Lisa Murimi
Weeks of devastating floods in the Philippines have fueled growing outrage over corruption, nepotism, and failed infrastructure projects, with citizens accusing politicians of pocketing funds meant to protect vulnerable communities.
Many Filipinos blame the repeated flooding on a culture of graft, where contractors inflate costs or abandon projects after receiving payments.
Billions of pesos have been poured into drainage and flood control initiatives, yet large swathes of the country remain submerged during every typhoon season.
Criticism has also zeroed in on the prevalence of political dynasties. Social media users have branded the children of influential families “nepo babies,” accusing them of inheriting power while delivering little to improve public services.
Protesters say nepotism perpetuates a cycle of unqualified leadership and misuse of resources.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s government has promised stronger oversight of infrastructure spending and an audit of existing flood projects.
However, analysts caution that enforcement remains weak, with accountability often undermined by entrenched political interests.
Residents in hard-hit areas, such as Bulacan and Pampanga, say their frustration stems from watching officials announce multi-billion-peso flood programs that rarely translate into real-world results.
“Every year we drown, every year they promise change,” said one local resident, wading through waist-deep water.
With more storms forecast in the coming months, public patience is running thin.
Civil society groups are demanding transparent investigations, stricter anti-graft enforcement, and a long-term climate resilience plan.
The floods have exposed not only the Philippines’ vulnerability to extreme weather but also the consequences of corruption and nepotism in public governance.
