Overview: Public Outrage and Call for Action
A recent Tugon ng Masa survey conducted nationwide from September 25 to 30 reveals a strong public reaction to perceived corruption in flood control projects. The survey shows that 60% of Filipinos feel outrage or anger when thinking about corruption in government, with a notable appetite for accountability, transparency, and decisive government action. In contrast, 30% reported fear or anxiety, and 9% felt disappointed or sad. Anger or outrage was the prevailing emotion across regions, socioeconomic classes, and age groups, signaling a broad consensus on the urgency of reform.
Who Feels It Most and Why
OCTA Research notes that the anger tied to corruption in infrastructure projects is especially pronounced among younger Filipinos, including Gen Z and millennials. The sustained emotional response underscores a frustration with the management of public funds and a demand for reforms that can restore trust in public institutions. The data frame suggests that the public equates integrity with the effectiveness of flood control and other essential infrastructure programs.
President Marcos Jr.’s Anti-Corruption Stance Garnering Support
Beyond accountability for past misuses, the survey measures public attitude toward President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s decision to publicly expose corruption. A striking 83% of Filipinos support the move, viewing it as a necessary step to rebuild public trust. Only 3% disagreed, while 13% remained undecided. Regional differences appear: the National Capital Region led with 91% support, followed by Balance Luzon at 90%. These figures imply broad confidence in the President’s approach to confronting graft and a mandate for ongoing transparency.
Preferred Paths to Real Accountability
When asked which mechanisms are best suited to lead investigations, half of the respondents (46%) favored an independent commission like the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI). This preference reflects a desire for external, impartial probes that are less entangled with partisan politics. The Senate (23%) and the House of Representatives (13%) trailed, highlighting public skepticism toward domestic political bodies and a demand for credible, nonpolitical inquiry structures.
What Filipinos Want as Concrete Outcomes
The Tugon ng Masa results also outline the public’s five top priorities for reform. Leading the list are holding corrupt officials and contractors accountable (68%), recovering lost or misused public funds (58%), and the imprisonment of those found guilty (58%). Other important goals include ensuring the efficient implementation of quality flood control projects (41%) and strengthening transparency and monitoring of infrastructure projects (34%). The breadth of these aims signals that the public seeks not only punishment but also systemic improvements to prevent future abuses.
Implications for Policy and Public Trust
OCTA Research emphasizes that the findings reflect a public mandate for both exposure and action. With a strong preference for credible, integrity-driven mechanisms, the survey suggests that sustained reforms—alongside transparent follow-through—could further bolster confidence in government integrity and leadership. The data indicates a willingness among Filipinos to support reforms that safeguard infrastructure investments and ensure that flood control projects serve the public good, not private interests.
Methodology
The data comes from face-to-face interviews with 1,200 Filipinos aged 18 and above, conducted nationwide. While surveys have limitations, the consistency of responses across regions and demographics strengthens the reliability of the trends reported.
