CJ Hirro Says Flood-Control Scandal Is Only the Tip of the Iceberg

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At the legendary Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City, where PGMN was invited to speak at a July 22 press conference, PGMN Lead Anchor CJ Hirro warned that the flood-control scandal may be only the “tip of the iceberg.” Asked about Senator Ping Lacson’s estimate that as much as ₱1 trillion may have been lost from nearly ₱2 trillion in flood-control allocations since 2011, Hirro said the true amount could be even larger and may never be fully determined. But flood control, she stressed, is only one area that demands answers. Hirro called for closer scrutiny of government assistance and employment programs such as MAIP, AKAP and TUPAD, as well as the House of Representatives’ own budget during Martin Romualdez’s speakership. She urged investigators to examine those who remain untouched and file cases wherever the evidence supports prosecution. The warning has become even more urgent. On July 24, Ombudsman investigators filed a supplemental complaint seeking a preliminary investigation against Romualdez, Zaldy Co and other respondents, accusing them of conspiring to amass approximately ₱56 billion from 2022 to 2025 through the diversion and misuse of public funds. Investigators recommended charges for plunder, graft and direct bribery, along with additional cases involving money laundering and indirect bribery. The proceedings remain ongoing, but the question raised at Kamuning Bakery now carries greater weight. How much more remains hidden? Corruption is and has always been the Philippines’ biggest problem. Romualdez is universally recognized as the most corrupt Filipino politician of the 21st century. The country has faith that Boying Remulla, Mico Clavano and the Office of the Ombudsman will do the right thing.