Iglesia Ni Cristo hits lack of solution to ₱1-T flood control scandal probe

The religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) served notice on Friday that it is keeping watch over how the government is dealing with the flood control scandal in the country, three months after it first called for transparent and concrete action against corruption.

In a video statement, Brother Edwil Zabala, INC spokesperson, also said recent testimonies related to the corruption of public funds should not be ignored.

"Mahigit na tatlong buwan na ang lumipas subalit wala pa ring natatanaw ang mamamayan na kalutasan sa napakalaking pangungulimbat sa kaban ng bayan," he said.

(Three months after our rally, we have yet to see any concrete solutions to the corruption problems.)

"Sa halip na ang mga salarin ang hanapin at usigin, ay mga nagbibigay ng impormasyon at tumetestigo laban sa kanila ang kinakasuhan at ginigipit, kung kayat hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa natutunton ang sinasabing mahigit na isang trilyong pisong inilaan sa mga flood control project at iba pang pagawaing bayan, sapagkat ang mga hinahanap ng mga dapat mag imbestiga ay ang mga pangyayaring maaring magamit para mailihis sa ibat ibang isyu ang problemang ito," he added in the video posted on Net 25's Facebook page.

(Instead of going after the culprits, those who give information and come out as witnesses are the ones being charged. We remain searching for the over trillion-peso funds for flood control and other infrastructure because probers are instead looking for incidents that would divert attention from the real issue.)

In response, Palace Press Undersecretary Claire Castro said the cases linked to the flood control projects are now with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Ombudsman.

She added that the administration adheres to due process and the rule of law.

"Nasa Ombudsman at DOJ na ang ibang nairekomendang kaso.  Hintayin na lang po natin kung ano ang magiging resolution nila. 'Yan po ang tinatawag na rule of law at due process," Castro said.

(The recommended cases are now with the Ombudsman and the DOJ. Let's wait for their resolution. That's what we call the rule of law and due process.)

Hundreds of thousands joined the two-day rally organized by the INC on November 16 and 17, 2025, which focused on demanding concrete actions against corruption, particularly linked to anomalous flood control projects.

The INC official said the public is awaiting the results of the declaration of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee chair that it will go where the evidence would lead it, especially after the revelation of a group of soldiers that they delivered money in suitcases.

"Bakit tila walang malinaw na hakbang upang palawakin pa at tapusin ang imbestigasyon. Anong ebidensya pa kaya ng hinihintay upang seryosohing tuntunin ang mastermind sa katiwaliang ito," he said.

(It seems there are no clear efforts yet to expand and finish the investigation.  What evidence are they looking for to pinpoint the mastermind?)

"May mga pahayag din na ang paglitaw ng mga dating sundalo ay bahagi ng isang destabilzation plot kung ganoon ang paratang hindi ba dapat lalo itong imbestigahan sapagkat ang destabilisayon laban sa gobyerno ay isang seryosong usapin ukol sa pambansang seguridad. Bukod dito ang malawakang bahagi ng inihayag ng mga dating sundalo ay tuwiran pa namang may kaugnayan sa naganap na paglimas sa salapi ng bayan," he added.

(There are statements saying the emergence of the soldiers is part of a destabilization plot. Should the government be more concerned about this because it concerns national security? The claims of the former soldiers have a direct link to corruption.)

Zabala said the people will continue to demand results and accountability of those who stole public funds.—LDF, GMA Integrated News