FORMER Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson on Monday accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of masterminding what he described as “the biggest corruption scheme in Philippine history,” claiming that billions of pesos intended for flood control projects have been siphoned off through a “well-organized network” within the administration.
In a televised address, Singson alleged that nearly half a trillion pesos allotted for flood control under the Marcos administration failed to mitigate flooding nationwide and, in fact, worsened it.
He blamed the absence of a genuine master plan and widespread corruption in the implementation of infrastructure projects.
“This flood control scandal is the biggest corruption scheme I have witnessed in my entire life,” Singson said.
“Having seen eight presidents lead this nation, this is a well-orchestrated network created by this administration to exploit the national budget for personal gain.”
He pointed out that despite the reported completion of more than 9,800 flood control projects, flooding continues to devastate communities, destroy agricultural lands, and displace thousands of families.
Singson emphasized that all major infrastructure spending decisions, from the formulation of the National Expenditure Program to the signing of the General Appropriations Act, require the president’s approval.
“Public funds are not released easily,” he said. “Every major flood project, rehabilitation effort, or public work goes through his desk. He reviews every plan and approves every peso.”
Accusing Marcos of “failing in leadership” and “passing the blame” to others, Singson also questioned the credibility of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which is currently investigating alleged anomalies in public works spending but has reportedly excluded Ilocos Norte from its probe.
Singson claimed that billions of pesos in flood control contracts in the president’s home province were awarded to companies linked to Marcos’ allies, including a newly elected Laoag City mayor and contractors identified as the Discayas.
“Almost P4 billion has been funneled to this mayor, who has been their favored contractor since the Bongbong administration,” he said. “Why is the ICI not investigating Ilocos Norte, the clearest example of corruption hiding behind political protection?”
The former governor challenged Marcos to direct the ICI to begin its investigation in Ilocos Norte “to prove its credibility.”
He also urged youth groups, religious sectors, and civil society to unite in exposing corruption.
Singson dismissed the plunder case recently filed against him as “a political weapon” meant to silence his criticisms.
He described it as “a fabricated complaint” lodged by a lawyer allegedly linked to his political rivals in Ilocos Sur. “They attack me because I am not afraid to tell the truth,” he said. “Their troll farms and attack dogs will never silence me.”
Calling for accountability, Singson urged Filipinos, including farmers, students, and government workers, to demand responsibility from the highest office in the land.
“If the president cannot face the truth and take responsibility for his failures, he must step aside,” he said. “A voluntary resignation would not be a humiliation but an act of dignity that could help restore public trust.”
Singson ended his statement by appealing to the police and military “to stand with the people, not the powerful,” stressing their constitutional duty to protect the republic rather than any individual leader.