MASSIVE RALLY LUNETA PARK MANILA DUE TO MASSIVE CORRUPTION BONGBONG MARCOS JR.

Major Corruption-Related Issues Under Marcos Jr.

1. Abolishing the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC)

On his first day in office, Marcos issued EO No. 1, which abolished the PACC.

The functions of the PACC were transferred to the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs.

Critics worry this move weakens institutional checks on corruption.



2. Flood Control / Infrastructure Corruption Scandal

There are widespread allegations of anomalies, overpricing, and “ghost” flood-control projects.

In response, Marcos created an Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) via EO 94, tasked to investigate these irregularities.

The ICI has subpoena powers, can summon witnesses, and request documents.

The ICI can recommend criminal, civil, or administrative cases to agencies like the Ombudsman or Department of Justice.

Marcos has said no one will be spared in the probe — allies, relatives included.

He also warned that resigning from office is not enough to absolve someone: “there’s been … damage … not only financial … but actual damage to people’s lives.”

But Marcos also emphasized that for charges to stick, the cases must be “airtight” — backed by solid proof.



3. Public Trust / Political Legitimacy

Marcos argues that exposing corruption in flood projects is not for political advantage, but because “this could not go on.”

The creation of the ICI is framed as a serious anti-corruption reform, not just a show probe.

According to reports, the ICI’s mandate includes protecting witnesses (through witness protection), freezing assets, and recommending preventive suspension.



4. Allegations of Graft in His Inner Circle

Some high-profile names are implicated: e.g., Zaldy Co (former House Rep) was mentioned in relation to flood project anomalies.

Critics worry about cronyism or “sacred cows” given how Marcos is related to or politically tied with some of these figures.

On the other hand, the Palace claims Marcos “will not intervene” in the ICI’s work.



5. Budget Reallocation

Marcos has cancelled flood control allocations for 2026 and said he’s redirecting funds to “social and economic services.”

There is also a push to ensure evidence is gathered properly and that the ICI’s recommendations are followed by prosecuting bodies.



6. Criticism from Civil Society / Human Rights Reports

According to a human-rights report, Marcos Jr. is allegedly a major recipient of “pork barrel”-style funds (Confidential Intelligence Funds, CIF) — raising red flags about misuse.

There are also protests: in 2025, many Filipinos marched against perceived systemic corruption in flood-control and infrastructure projects.





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Analysis: What This Means

High Stakes: The flood-control corruption allegations are especially sensitive because they affect public safety (flooding) and involve billions in government funds.

Institutional Reform vs Risk: While Marcos is establishing a separate, independent body (ICI) to probe these issues, abolishing the PACC could undermine other anti-graft mechanisms — it’s a trade-off.

Political Credibility: His willingness to target even powerful people (“no sacred cows”) could boost his reputation among reformers — but only if the investigations lead to real accountability.

Proof Matters: Marcos himself is stressing that investigations must produce solid, legally defensible cases: he seems wary of weak or symbolic charges.

Public Pressure: Massive protests are putting additional pressure on his government to follow through. Civil society seems to be demanding more than just words.

Long-Term Risk: If the ICI fails, or if prosecutions don’t happen, this could backfire politically — especially given his family’s history and the public’s sensitivity around corruption.