THE UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas (UST) has joined the country’s educational institutions in denouncing the alleged multi-billion peso corruption surrounding flood control projects.
In a statement released on Sept. 17, UST said corruption behind the “ghost” flood control projects was not merely an issue of bad governance, but a betrayal of public trust and a theft from the poor.
“At UST, we understand the pain of flooding. We’ve experienced it on our own campus—disrupting classes, risking health, and challenging our resilience. But let us be clear: Filipino resilience should never be used as an excuse for corruption. It should not hide the misuse of public funds or justify injustice,” the University said in a Facebook post.
Allegations of corruption in flood control projects mounted after a preliminary probe initiated by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. found that about 20 percent of the P545.64-billion budget for flood control projects since the beginning of his administration went to just 15 contractors while more than 6,000 projects lack crucial details.
A number of lawmakers have been linked to the flood control mess, triggering a public outcry on corruption and prompting some groups to organize massive rallies, Including the “trillion peso” march at EDSA and the “Baha Sa Luneta” in Manila, both on Sept. 21.
“UST stands by its values of competence, commitment, and compassion. We call for truth, transparency, and accountability. These are not optional—they are necessary,” the University said.
The Catholic institution called for a swift investigation into the country’s flood control projects, citing the need to ensure accountability regardless of the power and influence of those involved.
UST also encouraged the Thomasian community to stay vigilant, speak out, act with integrity and rally behind those who speak the truth.
“With faith and resolve, let us build a generation that says no to corruption and expects honesty, accountability, and true service from those in power,” it said.
‘Enough is enough’
Other universities have also called for transparency and responsibility as the government probes the corruption allegations.
The network of De La Salle Schools in the Philippines (DLSP) demanded that all involved parties, whether they are legislators, civil servants, or contractors, be held accountable.
“We need to punish the guilty so that the Filipino people will finally learn that involvement in any form of corruption does pay,” it said in a statement dated Sept. 16.
The schools network noted that funds intended to prevent or mitigate flooding were instead spent on substandard or ‘ghost’ projects, worsening the impact on poor communities.
The network also urged its campuses to provide discussions on the moral implications and effects of corruption to understand how the poor and powerless are affected by corruption.
“We call on our schools to patiently insist on what is right and moral by teaching our students the values congruent to common good.”
The Adamson University shared DSLP’s sentiment, urging students to act with integrity and demand the same uprightness from politicians and leaders.
“The Philippines is beset with rampant stealing and corruption. While politicians and their cohorts wallow in unimaginable cash and luxury, our people wallow in flood and misery. Enough is enough,” it said on Sept. 12.
“As an academic institution, we are forming our students towards responsibility and integrity. We demand transparency and honesty in all our institutional processes.”
The University of the Philippines (UP) said it “could not stay neutral” on the issue as ir encouraged citizens to exercise their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has formed a three-member independent commission to investigate irregularities involving flood mitigation structures, a problem that he said stole the future of communities ravaged by cyclones.
The newly established Independent Commission for Infrastructure will focus on reviewing flood control and other infrastructure projects implemented over the past ten years. F
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