Public Outrage Over Flood Control Corruption
A nationwide survey released by OCTA Research reveals that a majority of Filipinos are outraged by corruption tied to flood control projects and are rallying for accountability. The Tugon ng Masa survey, conducted from September 25 to 30, canvassed 1,200 adults across the country and shows a consistent emotional response against misuse of public funds in infrastructure programs.
According to OCTA, 60% of respondents report feeling outrage or anger when thinking about corruption in government, with the issue of flood control projects at the forefront of public concern. In contrast, 30% expressed fear or anxiety, and 9% felt disappointed or sad. Notably, anger emerged as the dominant emotion across all regions, socioeconomic classes, and age groups, highlighting a broad-based public demand for integrity in governance.
The survey emphasizes that younger Filipinos, especially Gen Z and millennials, exhibit a particularly strong sense of outrage, underscoring a generational push for stricter oversight and reform in infrastructure spending. OCTA notes that the intensity of the public response reflects ongoing frustration with how public funds are managed and allocated in critical projects like flood control.
Public Confidence and the President’s Anti-Corruption Stance
Beyond anger at corruption, the survey indicates a strong mandate for decisive action. A striking 83% of Filipinos support President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s decision to publicly expose corruption, viewing it as essential to restoring trust in government. Support was highest in the National Capital Region (91%) and Balance Luzon (90%), suggesting regional enthusiasm for transparency and accountability measures.
Keen observers note that sustained transparency and follow-through on reforms could further bolster public confidence in government integrity and leadership. Conversely, only 3% disagreed with the President’s approach, while 13% remained undecided, reflecting a broad base of approval with room for continued outreach.
What Kind of Probe Do Filipinos Want?
The survey shows a clear preference for independent, nonpartisan investigations into corruption. About half of respondents (46%) support an independent commission—specifically, an external body like the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI)—to lead the probe. The Senate (23%) and the House of Representatives (13%) are viewed as secondary options.
OCTA argues that this preference signals public skepticism toward traditional political institutions and a longing for credible mechanisms of accountability. An external, integrity-based commission is seen as more likely to deliver impartial findings and restore public confidence in anti-corruption efforts.
Wanted Outcomes: Accountability, Funds Recovery, and Reforms
The Tugon ng Masa results also reveal the concrete outcomes Filipinos want from reforms. The top goals are:
- Holding corrupt officials and contractors accountable (68%)
- Recovery of lost or misused public funds (58%)
- Imprisonment of those proven guilty (58%)
- Ensuring efficient implementation of quality flood control projects (41%)
- Strengthening transparency and monitoring of government infrastructure projects (34%)
Taken together, the findings suggest a public appetite not just for revealing wrongdoing but for actionable reforms. The report asserts, “Filipinos demand not only the exposure of wrongdoing but also decisive action, justice, and long-term reform to safeguard the integrity of public institutions and infrastructure programs.”
Methodology and Implications for Policy
The Tugon ng Masa survey relied on face-to-face interviews with 1,200 Filipinos aged 18 and above. While the results reflect broad public sentiment, observers caution that attitudes toward reforms may evolve with ongoing investigations and policy implementations. The OCTA study underscores a critical window for government reform: transparency paired with concrete, measurable improvements in flood control infrastructure and public fund governance.
Conclusion
As concerns about flood control projects mingle with a call for greater accountability, the OCTA findings present a clear mandate: transparency, independent oversight, and decisive action to protect public funds and deliver reliable infrastructure. The coming years will test whether reforms can meet the public’s expectations for integrity, efficiency, and trust in government.
