Fred Padernos TACLOBAN CITY, October 15, 2025 — “We don’t care if you are a Marcos or a Duterte, from the administration or the opposition — if you stole, you stole.”
With these straightforward words, Bayan Muna Representative Atty. Neri Colmenares expressed strong support for the ongoing corruption investigation into alleged anomalies in the country’s flood control projects — while advocating for an expanded, nationwide probe into other government infrastructure initiatives.
During his visit to Tacloban City, Colmenares informed the media that while suspending road reblocking projects is a positive step, it is not sufficient. He stated that corruption is pervasive and extends across various sectors, and the current investigation should not be limited to one type of project.
A Pattern of Corruption
“There is a long list of projects where public funds are being misused or embezzled,’ Colmenares cautioned. He highlighted several examples, such as slope protection works, overpriced “cat’s eye” road markers, farm-to-market roads (FMRs), and infrastructure under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) — many of which, he claimed, raise questions regarding cost, location and execution.
“These projects are being exploited by corrupt officials and contractors. We need to audit all of them, not just flood control,” he emphasized.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
Colmenares also raised doubts about the credibility of any investigation conducted behind closed doors. He urged the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) to carry out its work openly and transparently, with regular updates to the public and active involvement from civil society.
“What we need is not another investigation that shields the powerful and blames the small players,’ he said. “Transparency is crucial if we want to rebuild public trust.
Billions at Stake
According to Colmenares, from 2022 to 2025, flood control projects under the Marcos administration totaled approximately USD 21.6 billion, while under the Duterte administration (2016–2021), the total was USD 11.5 billion. The magnitude of these numbers, he argued, necessitates a nationwide audit, rather than just a review of specific provinces or projects.
“We’re talking about tens of billions of dollars. This is not insignificant. Every peso wasted is a peso stolen from the people — from schools, hospitals, and livelihood programs,” he emphasized.
Beyond Politics
Colmenares clarified that Bayan Muna’s stance is not influenced by political loyalties. “We are not concerned about whose name is associated with the project. Whether it is Marcos, Duterte, or any other name – if there is corruption, there must be responsibility,’ he stated.
He also encouraged whistleblowers, honest contractors, and concerned citizens to step forward, asserting that public participation is crucial in uncovering the truth and ensuring meaningful reform.
