Typhoon Tino Devastation Exposes More Ghost Flood Control Projects and Deepening State Corruption

PRESS RELEASE

November 6, 2025

CenPEG Calls for Accountability, Justice, and Sovereignty Amid Alarming Foreign Interference

The Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) expresses deep concern and outrage over the widespread devastation brought by Typhoon Tino across the Visayas. While the storm’s natural force was immense, the scale of destruction was undeniably magnified by corruption and negligence—particularly the proliferation of “ghost” flood control projects that were funded, reported as completed, yet were built sub-standard, or worse, were never built. These fraudulent projects, meant to protect communities from flooding, have instead left them vulnerable to death and disaster.

CenPEG warns that unless this deep-rooted corruption is addressed, a similar tragedy could strike Luzon when Typhoon Uwan makes landfall over the weekend. The people are once again left exposed—victims not only of nature but of systemic theft and impunity that continue to plague governance.

“The devastation wrought by Typhoon Tino is not merely a natural disaster—it is a political and moral one. The billions lost to fake flood control projects could have saved lives and livelihoods. Those responsible, from top to bottom—including the President, who approves and controls the national budget—must be held accountable,” said Prof. Roland G. Simbulan, CenPEG Chair.

CenPEG stresses that this November 8 marks the 12th anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan)—a grim reminder of the greatest catastrophe in Philippine history, where tens of thousands perished due to a deadly combination of natural calamity and government negligence. Yet, twelve years later, the same failures of governance, lack of accountability, and misuse of public funds persist.

CenPEG emphasizes that the recurring cycle of impunity must end. The Filipino people cannot afford to wait until the 2028 elections to demand justice. If corruption continues to dominate governance, the same old elite-driven politics will persist, and no genuine accountability or systemic reform will take place.

“If the people wait until the 2028 elections to demand change, the same cycle of impunity will continue. We cannot afford to let another generation suffer the same fate,” Prof. Simbulan emphasized.

Equally alarming are reports regarding the visit of a U.S. Embassy attaché to the ICI office, an act that raises troubling questions about foreign interference in domestic affairs. This development comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and the growing perception of U.S. influence in Philippine security and policy decisions.

“Such actions undermine our sovereignty. As a sovereign nation, it must be the will of the Filipino people—not foreign interests—that determines our path forward. The intrusion of any foreign power into our internal processes is unacceptable,” Prof. Simbulan added.

CenPEG calls on all sectors—citizens, media, people’s organizations, and public officials of integrity—to unite in demanding accountability, transparent governance, people-centered disaster preparedness, and the defense of national sovereignty.

The lessons of Typhoon Yolanda must not be forgotten, and the tragedy of Typhoon Tino must not be repeated.#

Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG)

REFERENCE: Prof. Roland Simbulan, Chairperson, 09272493295;

For more information, please contact: Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG)

Email: cenpeg.info@gmail.com | Phone: 09171141405 | Website: www.cenpeg.org