House resolution seeks to revive flood control scandal probe

MANILA, Philippines — A resolution was filed on Tuesday urging the House of Representatives to reopen its inquiry into the flood control scandal, calling on the chamber’s infrastructure committee to resume hearings nine months after they were suspended.

House Resolution No. 1169, filed by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, urged the lawmakers to continue the hearings into the anomalous flood control projects even as the Ombudsman pursues cases against those linked to the scandal.

Legal proceedings against persons facing charges “do not discharge Congress of its duty to close legal gaps and conduct inquiries in aid of legislation,” it said.

“Public dissatisfaction over the response to the flood control scandal has manifested in various protests, including on June 28 and 30, 2026 at the EDSA People Power Monument, with calls for transparency and accountability for those most responsible for corruption at the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways),” the resolution read.

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Leviste’s resolution noted that despite “systemic corruption” in the DPWH, authorities have, so far, focused on a handful of district and regional offices, even as former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo claimed that “almost 100%” of bids at the agency “are rigged.”

The multibillion‑peso flood control scandal, which has eroded public trust, paralyzed state spending and slowed economic growth, has emerged as one of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s biggest challenges in his fourth year in office.

Facing a widening controversy over substandard infrastructure projects involving dikes and flood walls, Congress has launched separate investigations amid allegations of kickbacks tied to public works contracts.

In September last year, the House suspended its investigation into anomalous flood control deals to allow an impartial probe by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which wound down its operations in March.

“Congress conducting inquiries on projects of the DPWH in aid of legislation is without prejudice to other ongoing investigations, and the Senate has recognized the need to continue the investigation on flood control projects through Blue Ribbon Committee hearings, for reasons also applicable for the House,” HR 1169 said. /apl