MANILA, Philippines – The so-called “nepo babies” of powerful political families linked to big-time contractors are now in hot water, as anti-corruption advocates move to file money laundering charges against them over alleged trillion-peso ghost flood control projects.
Watchdog group Pilipinas Laban sa Korapsyon at Katiwalian (PLKK) said the children and relatives of contractors accused of cornering flood mitigation deals under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had allegedly used kickbacks to fund a lavish lifestyle of luxury bags, foreign trips, jewelry, and signature clothing.
“Iyong ginamit nila pera sa pambili ng mamahaling bags, travel sa abroad, expensive jewelry at mga signature na damit na ang pinambili ay galing sa nakaw—puwede sila kasuhan ng anti-money laundering,” said Rhoda De Guzman, a member of PLKK. “Maaari silang makulong dahil malinaw na ill-gotten wealth ang pinanggalingan.”
The alleged ghost projects, many of them flood control initiatives in Pampanga and Central Luzon, reportedly cost taxpayers trillions of pesos but show little to no progress on the ground. Advocacy groups warn the scandal not only exposes systemic corruption but also worsens flooding risks in communities left without proper infrastructure.