Corruption
21 reports
Senator Rodante Marcoleta, Co-Accused Arrested Over Alleged PHP 75 Million Plunder Case
Senator Rodante Marcoleta was arrested for plunder over PHP 75M in undisclosed donations. The arrest complicates Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial by altering the Senator-Judge count and is expected to trigger protests from the Iglesia ni Cristo, where Marcoleta is a top official.
Rallies Scheduled for 40th EDSA People Power Anniversary
Demonstrations for the 40th EDSA People Power Revolution occur tomorrow, February 25, at the EDSA Shrine and People Power Monument. Expect heavy traffic and road closures on White Plains Avenue. Exercise caution near crowds due to risks of low-level violence or deportation for foreigners.
ANALYSIS: A Deeper Look Into the 2026 National Budget
President Marcos Jr. signed the 2026 national budget, which features a massive cut to the DPWH and a significant increase for education. Despite efforts at transparency, the budget remains controversial due to remaining unprogrammed funds, sparking petitions for judicial review.
DPWH Corruption Investigations: Discaya, Nine Others Arrested, Undersecretary Cabral Found Dead
Contractor Sarah Discaya was arrested for a fraudulent infrastructure project. Meanwhile, the sudden death of former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, a key witness, complicates the ongoing corruption investigation.
President Marcos Requests Congress to Prioritize Anti-Dynasty Bill, Three Others
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the Congress to prioritize four bills addressing political dynasties, electoral reform, infrastructure corruption, and budget transparency. Without formal urgent certification, these measures risk delays amid legislative resistance.
Former DPWH Secretary Singson Quits the ICI
Rogelio Singson resigned from the Independent Commission on Infrastructure over health and security concerns, threatening agency credibility. Lawmakers now propose bills to empower the commission while authorities pursue suspects in a fraudulent flood control project.
DPWH Corruption Investigations: Warrant of Arrest Issued for Zaldy Co, 16 Others
The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants for former Representative Zaldy Co, public works officials, and Sunwest Corporation over a PHP 289.5 million corruption case. Seven are detained; Co remains at large as authorities seek an international police notice.
Ombudsman Plans to Create Task Force on Villar Family Links to Flood Control
The Office of the Ombudsman will investigate the Villar family and their business interests over allegations that public infrastructure and flood control projects in Las Piñas and Cavite were designed to unduly benefit their real estate properties.
Fire Breaks out at DPWH Building Amid Flood Control Investigation
A fire damaged a government infrastructure building in Quezon City amid ongoing corruption investigations. Although officials report no probe documents were destroyed, authorities are conducting an in-depth investigation into the incident to rule out potential foul play.
AFP Denies Ouster Plots Anew But Acknowledges Discontent Over Flood Control Corruption
Armed Forces of the Philippines General Romeo Brawner Junior stated that retired officers urged the military to withdraw support for President Ferdinand Marcos Junior. The armed forces rejected this intervention, denying ouster plots and reaffirming constitutional order.
Keeping up with Congress Leaderships: Zaldy Co Resigns from House, While Ping Lacson Takes Senate Accounts Committee
Philippine Congress faces shakeups amid infrastructure corruption investigations. Representative Elizaldy Co resigned citing security threats, as Sarah Elago assumed office. Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson replaced Senator Loren Legarda to lead the Senate Committee on Accounts.
ANALYSIS: Will the “Floodgates” of Corruption Revive Freedom of Information in the Philippines?
Investigations into anomalous flood control projects have renewed calls for a Freedom of Information law to fight corruption. While executive orders mandate partial data access, the lack of formal legislation limits transparency across branches, presenting persistent compliance risks.
Government Inquisition on Flood Control Projects Continues, But What Happens After?
The Philippine government is reviewing public works budgets and interrogating contractors over a massive flood control bribery scheme. Enterprises should monitor these probes as allegations against high-level politicians signal localized regulatory and operational risks.
Bill Establishing a Fiscal Regime for the Mining Industry Signed into Law
President Ferdinand Marcos Junior signed Republic Act No. 12253, imposing location-based royalties and a windfall profits tax on large-scale metallic mining. The law consolidates tax structures, applies a debt-to-equity cap, and mandates the public disclosure of extractive industry data.
Vince Dizon Out of DOTr, Now in DPWH Amid Flood Control Project Anomalies
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Vince Dizon as DPWH Secretary following the resignation of Manuel Bonoan under command responsibility. Dizon ordered a full department sweep, blacklisted corrupt contractors, and supported an independent probe into flood control anomalies.
Ombudsman Dismisses Graft Complaints Against Former Senator Leila de Lima
The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed graft and bribery complaints against Former Senator Leila de Lima due to lack of evidence. Her legal clearance and return to politics signal shifting Philippine governance dynamics relevant to corporate risk assessments.
Manhunt Ends: Government Forces Apprehend Guo and Quiboloy in Separate Operations
The high-profile arrests of Alice Guo and Apollo Quiboloy signal an escalating crackdown by the Marcos administration against politically connected criminal networks. This intensified enforcement stance highlights shifting regulatory and governance risks crucial for enterprise compliance.
Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV Files Plunder, Graft Cases Against Former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go
Plunder and graft complaints were filed against former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go over infrastructure contracts awarded to family-owned firms. This intensifying legal scrutiny of political figures signals elevated regulatory and compliance risks for commercial enterprises.
Sara Duterte Asks Supreme Court to Junk Petitions vs. PHP125-Million Confidential and Intelligence Fund Transfer to OVP in 2022
Vice President Sara Duterte petitioned the Supreme Court to dismiss challenges against her confidential funds. This high-profile dispute over public spending intensifies institutional friction, signaling elevated political and governance risks for commercial enterprises.
MNLF Founder Nur Misuari Convicted of Graft over PHP 77 Million-Worth of IT Education Supplies
The Sandiganbayan convicted MNLF founder Nur Misuari of graft over anomalous educational procurements. This ruling against a key regional figure signals potential political friction and elevated security monitoring risks for commercial enterprises.
Ombudsman Orders Filing of Graft, Administrative Charges Against Former Health Secretary Duque, Former Budget Undersecretary Lao
The Office of the Ombudsman ordered graft charges against former health and budget officials over irregular pandemic fund transfers. This accountability measure signals tightening regulatory oversight and heightens legal compliance risks for commercial enterprises.