Big names like Anne Curtis, Vice Ganda, and Alden Richards have spoken out against the controversial flood control project scam. Alden Richards’s post went viral with his post defining “kuracaught,” a term for officials caught red-handed in corruption. Richards, formerly Maine Mendoza’s AlDub partner, made the story even juicier for fans.
While political tensions continue to dominate headlines, some celebrities seem unaffected, Coleen Garcia, a well-known actress and a cousin of Disgraced Congressman Atayde is yet to call out Philippine Corruption.
Coleen was additionally spotted at the ultra-luxurious Banwa Private Island, where a single night can cost up to $100,000, or around ₱5.2 million. Renowned for its unmatched exclusivity and luxury, Banwa is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for the elite.
Located in the Sulu Sea, Palawan, the resort features beachfront villas, ensuring complete privacy and personalized service, exemplifying the height of Philippine indulgence.
As the flood control investigation continues, both political and entertainment figures remain under public scrutiny. Viral posts, luxury vacations, and ongoing debates ensure the story shows no signs of slowing down. Fans are watching closely.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is in the spotlight again. Businessman Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya was cited in contempt for allegedly lying during the hearings on anomalous flood control projects. Former DPWH Bulacan Engineer Henry Alcantara and Engineer JP Mendoza also faced tough questioning after senators found their testimonies unconvincing.
This comes after the Discaya couple revealed earlier this month that 17 lawmakers, past and present, were allegedly pocketing kickbacks. According to their claim, 25 to 30 percent of shares went to Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and then-House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The revelation has triggered outrage nationwide. Filipinos online are not holding back. Netizens are pointing out the stark lifestyle gap between political families and ordinary citizens. Actress Maine Mendoza, married to Quezon City Rep. Arjo Atayde, faced backlash for luxury trips and designer gifts. Atayde’s family wealth, including a viral ₱121,000 dinner hosted by his father, has become a symbol of privilege. That amount equals nearly eight months’ worth of wages for minimum earners in Metro Manila, who only take home ₱700 a day.
Speaker Romualdez announced he was stepping down as Speaker, saying his decision was to ensure a fair and independent investigation. “After deep reflection and prayer, I have made a decision. Today, with a full heart and a clear conscience, I tender my resignation as Speaker of the House of Representatives,” he said.
But the story doesn’t end here. Protests from various sectors are expected this week, demanding accountability for billions in public funds allegedly lost to corruption. For many, this isn’t just about politics—it’s about justice, transparency, and the growing call to close the gap between the ruling elite and everyday Filipinos.
In the Philippines, celebrity connections are increasingly inspected closely and thoroughly for their potential role in enabling or profiting from alleged corruption. High-profile figures, from actors and social media influencers to family members of entertainment icons, are often leveraged by political dynasties and business elites for their mass appeal and ability to shape public opinion.
This dynamic creates a powerful, yet often non-transparent, ecosystem where star power is exchanged for access, high-paying government advertising contracts, or preferential treatment in business attempt. These celebrities, whether intentional participants or fresh channel, can provide a surface of legitimacy to questionable projects or politicians, effectively laundering a stained image through their popularity. Consequently, this partnership not only hide the lines between entertainment and graft but also risks undermining public trust by using cultural influence to divert attention from or normalize corrupt practices that ultimately exhaust the nation.
The flood control scandal, which has rocked the city in recent months, has seen several prominent local figures implicated for alleged corruption and mismanagement of funds. While the investigation is ongoing and details are still emerging, whispers and speculation have begun to connect certain celebrities with those caught in the crosshairs. These connections, often based on past business dealings, social circles, or even familial ties, are being closely examined by the public and investigators alike, adding another layer of intrigue to an already explosive situation.
The Philippines endure with a deeply entrenched history of corruption, a common issue that has consistently hampered national development and eroded public trust. This unfortunate legacy was recently brought into sharp focus by the flood control scandal, a glaring example of how vital public funds, intended for critical infrastructure projects and the safety of citizens, are allegedly siphoned off through illicit schemes. Such incidents not only highlight the persistent challenge of graft within government agencies but also underscore the devastating real-world consequences, as communities remain vulnerable to natural disasters while crucial resources are diverted for personal gain, perpetuating a cycle of underdevelopment and discontentment among the people.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro announced that an investigation into Romualdez would be launched, signalling a significant development within the administration’s communications arm. While specific details regarding the nature of the allegations or the scope of the probe were not immediately disclosed, Castro emphasized the PCO’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability within its ranks. This initiated inquiry is expected to thoroughly examine pertinent issues, with the findings potentially influencing Romualdez’s role or future actions. The Undersecretary assured the public that due process would be strictly followed as the investigation unfolds.
Deputy Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong firmly asserted that the recent leadership change within the House of Representatives was a legitimate transition, not the result of a coup. Adiong emphasized that the shift was a collective decision reflecting the unified will of the chamber, undertaken through proper deliberative processes rather than any forceful or clandestine maneuver. His statement aimed to dispel rumors and assure the public that the House remains stable and its leadership succession adheres to democratic principles and established internal procedures.
House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos conveyed his profound sadness following Romualdez’s decision to resign. Marcos, who holds a pivotal leadership role himself, evidently viewed Romualdez as a valuable colleague whose insights and experience were significant to the legislative body. His departure, whatever the capacity, would undoubtedly create a notable void within the House, potentially impacting its collaborative efforts and the pursuit of its agenda. Marcos’s expression of sorrow not only highlights a personal respect but also acknowledges the loss of a significant presence crucial to the smooth functioning of parliamentary work.
In a pivotal witness bid, Discayas has reportedly implicated a wide network of influential figures, ranging from top politicians and admired celebrities to key engineers, in an elaborate web of kickbacks. These illicit payments are alleged to have flowed from various projects—likely public—in exchange for favorable treatment, lucrative contracts, or overlooking irregularities. The revelations threaten to expose deep-seated corruption and shake public trust in institutions and revered personalities alike, underscoring Discayas’s crucial role in potentially unraveling a deeply entrenched system of graft.
According to the Discayas, the social media accounts of individuals reportedly linked to kickbacks in the flood control project present a striking picture of extravagant lifestyles that sharply contradict their official incomes. These online profiles reportedly feature opulent vacations, luxury cars, designer items, and lavish parties, prompting serious questions about the source of such visible wealth. The Discayas suggest these public displays of affluence serve as potential evidence of ill-gotten gains derived from the alleged irregularities, casting a shadow on the integrity of the project and fuelling calls for a deeper investigation into the financial activities of those involved.
Alleged Profiteers
List of Alleged Politicians and Engineers involved in Kickbacks in the Flood Control Project with their Respective Social Media Accounts:
Speaker Martin Romualdez FB: https://www.facebook.com/iamMartinRomualdez
Zaldy Co https://www.facebook.com/repzaldyco
Roman Romulo https://www.facebook.com/RTRomulo
James “Jojo” Ang https://www.facebook.com/jojo.ang.jr
Patrick Michael Vargas https://www.facebook.com/pmvargasD5
Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde https://www.facebook.com/juancarlos.atayde
Michael Rosaria https://www.instagram.com/michaelrosario_/
According to the Discayas, those individuals allegedly connected to the flood control project kickbacks exhibit lifestyles starkly contrasting with the average Filipino citizen. Their daily lives are reportedly marked by extreme opulence, featuring sprawling mansions, luxury vehicles, and frequent high-end purchases extending to designer brands and lavish parties. Travels often involve international destinations and exclusive resorts, while their children attend elite private schools, seemingly without a proportional, legitimate income source. This stands in stark contrast to the vast majority of regular Philippine citizens who often grapple with daily economic hardships, modest incomes, reliance on public transportation, and careful budgeting to cover essential needs like food, education, and healthcare, with discretionary spending being minimal and major purchases requiring years of saving. The disparity, as highlighted by the Discayas, paints a stark picture of wealth accumulated through illicit means against a backdrop of widespread economic struggle and responsible citizenry.
