Senator Escudero Urges Discernment Amid Flood Control Corruption Scandal

Senator Francis Escudero urged the public to direct their anger at corruption and abuse of power, but warned against making hasty judgments.

Escudero said it was important to be discerning and not be swayed by intrigues that aim to sow division, not only in the Senate but across the nation.

"Dapat lang tayong magalit sa korapsyon at anumang uri ng pag-abuso sa kapangyarihan. Subalit, huwag tayo maging padalos-dalos sa paghusga," he said.

"Maging mapanuri din tayo sa mga mema na nais lamang magpunla ng pagkakawatak-watak natin di lamang dito sa Senado kundi sa buong bansa," he added.

Escudero himself is involved in the flood control corruption scandal.

During the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, former public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has alleged that Escudero received P280 million in kickbacks from flood control and other infrastructure projects through an alleged bagman, tech billionaire Maynard Ngu. Escudero has denied all corruption allegations.

Escudero, meanwhile, praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his administration’s pursuit of evidence-based investigations into the massive flood control corruption scandal.

He took the floor during the plenary deliberations on the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) proposed 2026 budget on Tuesday.

The former senate president stressed that the administration’s commitment to follow the evidence, even when politically sensitive, is crucial for accountability.

Escudero cited DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon’s statement confirming the President’s directive.

"Binabati ko po ang administrasyon dahil hindi sila sumunod at nagpadala sa anumang script o sarswela para ilihis ang mga tunay na salarin," Escudero said.

"Ayon mismo kay Secretary Dizon, ang sinusundan lamang nila, base sa kautusan ng Pangulong Marcos, ay kung saan sila dinala ng ebidensya," he added.

Escudero noted that the independent investigation is already bearing fruit.

The Ombudsman has already filed corruption and malversation charges against former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co and several other DPWH officials, and directors of Co’s firm Sunwest Corporation in connection with ghost projects.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure, tasked by the President to lead the probe, has also turned over documents to the Ombudsman on the alleged role of former Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez—the President’s cousin—to determine possible accountability under anti-graft laws.

"Alam kong hindi naging madali ang desisyong ito para kay Pangulong Marcos nang malaman niya na posibleng sangkot ang kaniyang pinsan," Escudero said.

"Kaya, binabati ko ang kaniyang sigasig na panagutin ang mga tunay at dapat managot, at ang pagtutol niya sa anumang dibersyon dahil marami nang mga inosenteng tao ang nadamay sa tangkang paglilihis na ito," he added. 💙