The Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), the Philippines’ largest coalition of civil society organizations, has issued a blistering statement condemning what it calls the “worst public scandal since the Pork Barrel Scam” — the alleged corruption and mismanagement surrounding government-funded flood control projects.

In its official release titled “Accountability at the Highest Level Now!”, CODE-NGO slammed the proliferation of ghost projects, license renting schemes, contractor monopolies, and substandard construction tied to politically connected firms. The group cited findings from ongoing investigations by Congress, media exposés, and local government audits that revealed widespread irregularities and a lack of transparency in project implementation.

“Corruption kills communities. Accountability saves lives,” the statement declared, urging the national government to move beyond “optics and grandstanding” and ensure that those responsible are held to account.

Among the most alarming revelations were:  Projects misaligned with actual flood risks in localities, Absence of proper consultations with local stakeholders, Lavish lifestyles of contractors and lawmakers allegedly involved in the scandal

To address the crisis, CODE-NGO proposed a comprehensive reform agenda, including:

– Creation of a citizen-led commission to independently investigate the controversy 

– Engagement of regulatory bodies like the SEC, PCC, and AMLC in contractor scrutiny 

– Filing of charges against officials and contractors found liable 

– Removal of poorly planned flood control projects from the national budget 

– Institutionalization of participatory mechanisms in public infrastructure planning 

– Development of a science-based flood management masterplan

The group also called on foreign investors and international development agencies to suspend funding for infrastructure projects lacking anti-corruption safeguards.

Echoing the spirit of past civic movements such as the People Power uprisings and the Million People March, CODE-NGO emphasized that systemic abuse can be dismantled through collective vigilance and public pressure.