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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Trillions lost to corruption worsen Filipinos' climate, flood risks—green group

Trillions lost to corruption worsen Filipinos' climate, flood risks—green group

Published Sep 21, 2025 05:35 pm
TAKING A STAND—Actor Donny Pangilinan joins the Trillion Peso March on Sunday, Sept. 21, walking with the public along EDSA while carrying a placard that read: “IBALIK NIYO ANG PERA NG TAUMBAYAN.” The demonstrators, mostly clad in white, called for transparency and accountability from individuals and institutions allegedly involved in ‘anomalous’ government projects. (JEL SANTOS/MB PHOTO)
TAKING A STAND—Actor Donny Pangilinan joins the Trillion Peso March on Sunday, Sept. 21, walking with the public along EDSA while carrying a placard that read: “IBALIK NIYO ANG PERA NG TAUMBAYAN.” The demonstrators, mostly clad in white, called for transparency and accountability from individuals and institutions allegedly involved in ‘anomalous’ government projects. (JEL SANTOS/MB PHOTO)
As thousands marched on Sunday, Sept. 21, to demand accountability over alleged anomalous projects, environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition warned that systemic corruption is robbing Filipinos of protection against floods, pollution, and climate disasters.
Citing recent reports, EcoWaste said around P1.089 trillion in climate-tagged expenditures may have been lost to corruption since 2023, including P560 billion in 2025 alone.
It added that P545 billion poured into flood control projects since 2022 has been flagged for irregularities, substandard delivery, or possible “ghost” projects.
“These alarming figures point to systemic corruption in climate and infrastructure spending that deprives Filipinos of urgently needed protection and resilience,” the group said in a statement.
Aileen Lucero, EcoWaste’s national coordinator, stressed that every peso lost is a blow to both taxpayers and the country’s fight against climate change.
“Corruption is not only a betrayal of public trust, but a death sentence for the present and future generations,” she said.
“Instead of strengthening resilience and ecological protection, corruption aggravates people’s vulnerability to floods, pollution, and other environmental risks.”
Lucero lamented that funds intended to curb flooding and boost disaster preparedness have been siphoned off by “well-entrenched corruption.”
“This is unacceptable. People are left defenseless against floods and other climate disasters, while the pockets of corrupt officials and their cohorts get fatter,” she said.
EcoWaste urged the government to hold accountable all public officials and private contractors found guilty of pocketing public funds, stressing that stolen money must be returned to the state.
To safeguard climate and environmental funds, the group pushed for greater transparency through citizens’ participation, monitoring, and scrutiny.
Rather than relying solely on costly infrastructure, it pressed for people-centered, nature-based, and zero-waste solutions to address flooding and climate impacts.
The coalition further called for strengthened democratic governance and public access to information to ensure accountability.
“The fight against corruption is inextricably linked to the battle for environmental and climate justice,” EcoWaste said, adding that public funds must serve the people and protect the environment, not enrich a few.
“Ending corruption is non-negotiable if we are to build a just, sustainable, and climate-resilient future,” the group stated.
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