MANILA – Malacañang on Monday, December 15, 2025, reiterated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to holding accountable those involved in the anomalous flood control projects, assuring the public that implicated personalities will face jail time “before Christmas Day.” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized the administration’s resolve amid ongoing investigations into the P20-billion scandal involving ghost projects, substandard dikes, and kickbacks that left communities vulnerable to typhoons like Uwan.
Castro’s statement responds to mounting public frustration over the pace of probes, with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee uncovering irregularities in billions allocated since 2016. “There will be no merry Christmas for those responsible,” she said, echoing Marcos’ earlier pledge that “many” of the at least 37 implicated senators, congressmen, and contractors would be behind bars by the holidays.
The Palace highlighted progress:
- Asset freezes exceeding P12 billion.
- Resignations and probes into high-profile figures like former DPWH officials and contractors (e.g., Sunwest Corp.).
- ICI’s focus on building prosecutable cases, complementing Senate hearings.
Critics, including civil society groups, have accused the process of delays, but Castro countered: “Justice takes time to be thorough—rushing risks weak cases.” She urged patience while assuring “no sacred cows” in the cleanup.
As protests simmer and the Trillion Peso March demands swift action, the Palace’s pre-Christmas timeline adds urgency to a scandal exposing deep-rooted graft in infrastructure. For flood-weary Filipinos, this vow isn’t just seasonal—it’s a solemn promise for safer tomorrows.
Investigation Snapshot:
| Aspect | Update |
|---|---|
| Implicated | 37+ (senators, congressmen, contractors) |
| Assets Frozen | >P12 billion |
| Key Bodies | ICI (prosecution-focused); Senate Blue Ribbon |
| Timeline Pledge | Jailings before Christmas 2025 |