Tensions flared outside the Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday as disaster survivors and anti-corruption groups called for an urgent investigation into President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s alleged role in ‘institutionalizing corruption’ in the government’s infrastructure and flood control budgets.
The protesters, led by the People Surge National Alliance of Disaster Survivors and the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), gathered outside the anti-graft body’s office past 10 a.m., rattling its gates while denouncing what they described as a national budget ‘laden with unprogrammed appropriations and inflated infrastructure allocations’ that could allegedly serve as channels for kickbacks and political favors.
The groups specifically asked the Ombudsman to investigate 414 projects worth P26.7 billion in Cebu, which are included in the 2022 to 2025 national budgets.
‘Tomorrow marks the anniversary of Yolanda, a reminder that our government has not learned its lesson and continues to rob the people, drowning them in mud and floods,’ Mimi Doringo, spokesperson of People Surge, said, speaking in Filipino.
‘We need concrete action and compensation. End the rule of corrupt millionaires and billionaires in power. Put real farmers, workers, teachers, doctors, and scientists in their rightful positions,’ she added.
KMP Secretary General Ronnie Manalo said alleged corruption in government infrastructure projects remains one of the biggest concerns of farmers, alongside natural disasters.
In a joint statement, the groups called for ‘a full, independent, and transparent investigation into the budgetary maneuvers’ under both the Marcos and Duterte administrations, including their supposed links to favored contractors.
They also vowed to sustain their campaign through a larger anti-corruption rally on November 30 at Luneta Park.
In response, the Ombudsman issued a statement on Friday announcing the activation of a special task force to oversee investigations into anomalous flood control projects.
The task force is set to prioritize areas hit by Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi), with a particular focus on Cebu, where alleged irregularities in infrastructure allocations have drawn public scrutiny.