With the highly charged issue about deemed anomalous flood mitigation projects in the country, public outcry for accountability comes not only from those directly affected by massive, perennial flooding but also from other members of marginalized sectors.

Karen, a resident, said she could not help but blame massive corruption for the huge chunk of oppressed members of society.

“Naghihirap na dahil matindi ang pangungurakot nila. Patuloy lang silang nagpapayaman,” Karen stressed.

Cheryl, another resident, pointed out that the suspected massive plunder of government funds enrages the public not only because projects are substandard but because several projects are left unfinished.

“Kinurakot na, hindi pa natatapos ang trabaho,” Cheryl said.

In Bacolod City, members of the clergy of the Diocese of Bacolod formed the Council of Concerned Citizens (C3) composed of civic groups, engineers, and lawyers who will conduct their separate investigation on a number of flood control projects in the city.

Based on initial data collected by the group, there are at least 43 flood control projects in Bacolod City worth approximately P15 billion from 2017.

“We have to check, i-validate natin. May ocular inspection na gagawin.  Locally yan ang magiging output ng rally, magiging sustaining activity, tututukan natin upang ma-prevent ang anomalya…dapat may accountability, may mananagot,” Rev. Fr. Aniceto Buenafe Jr., convenor of C3.

After facilitating a validation, C3 will focus tightly on review of the rate cards or the documents on the details of each project.

Through the said initiatives, the group will be able to verify any anomaly in the implementation of the projects.

“Sa Negros at particularly Bacolod, ang ating officials are coming out clean na wala ditong ghost projects or anomalies related to flood control. It’s not about finding fault or witch hunting. Kung wala talaga, ma-justify kung wala,” Fr. Julius Espinosa, director of Caritas Bacolod Social Action Center, underscored.

Among the projects that C3 will investigate is the P122-million flood mitigation project in Barangay Pahanocoy which is "98-percent complete," based on a report of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

However, according to residents, the project has instead caused flooding in the area.

Further, a Trillion Peso March that condemns corruption is set on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Furthermore, indignation rallies are expected in a number of schools in Bacolod City.