By Erika Mae P. Sinaking, Reporter and Pexcel John Bacon

THE government’s pursuit of lawmakers linked to a multibillion-peso flood control scandal risks losing credibility as political ties and uneven enforcement raise concerns over selective accountability, analysts said.

The handling of cases involving former Party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” S. Co and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez will test whether authorities are willing to go after influential figures tied to the controversy.

“The government’s handling of the flood control investigation will be critical in shaping both the direction and credibility of the cases filed against those involved,” Arjan P. Aguirre, a political science assistant professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“Unfortunately, many of those who are in a position to know what truly happened — or who had the responsibility to prevent corruption — remain in power. Worse, some of them are part of the ruling coalition itself,” he added.

This poses a serious institutional challenge for agencies tasked with investigation and prosecution, raising concerns about their ability to objectively scrutinize their own principals or political allies, he pointed out.

Authorities have moved to secure Mr. Co’s return from Prague, with Justice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida leading efforts to facilitate his deportation to face graft and malversation charges tied to a P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

Authorities have identified Mr. Co as a central figure in the scandal, which analysts said contributed to weaker investor confidence and slower economic growth in 2025.

Mr. Romualdez is under a precautionary hold departure order issued by the Sandiganbayan, although his camp said he remains in the country and is cooperating with authorities.

In a video statement, Mr. Romualdez denied allegations that he masterminded a kickback scheme and said the Executive branch holds responsibility over budget implementation. Malacañang said the President does not see himself implicated in claims about executive accountability.

Analysts said these parallel developments could signal intent to pursue high-level accountability, but warned that consistency in enforcement would determine credibility.

“It is difficult to accept that, as former Speaker, he had no knowledge of what was happening in the budget process, particularly with regard to controversial insertions made under his leadership,” Mr. Aguirre said.

“Ultimately, the integrity of this investigation will depend on whether it remains evidence-based, consistent, and insulated from political maneuvering. Otherwise, it risks being dismissed as selective accountability rather than a genuine effort to address corruption,” he added.

University of the Philippines Manila professor Carl Marc L. Ramota said the government’s response appears delayed and reactive.

“Actions against former Rep. Zaldy Co and ex-Speaker Martin Romualdez should have been initiated during the investigations of the defunct Independent Commission for Infrastructure,” he said in a separate Messenger chat.

“Despite promises, the fact remains that no major ‘big fish’ has been arrested or convicted,” he added.

He added that failure to hold key figures accountable, regardless of political affiliation, risks undermining anti-corruption efforts and eroding public trust.

Survey results released by Pahayag showed low public trust in institutions linked to the flood control controversy, with respondents citing concerns over transparency, accountability and credibility.

The survey, conducted from March 21 to 24, showed low approval and trust ratings across legislative, implementing, fiscal and oversight agencies, with many respondents expressing outright distrust.

The Senate posted a 25% approval rating and 14% trust rating, while the House of Representatives recorded 23% approval and 13% trust. Nearly half of respondents said they lack confidence in both chambers.

Among implementing agencies, the Department of Public Works and Highways recorded the lowest scores, with 20% approval and 13% trust. Distrust remained high at 60%, despite a slight improvement from the previous quarter, reflecting concerns over infrastructure project management.

Fiscal agencies also posted subdued ratings. The Department of Finance registered 28% approval and 19% trust, while the Department of Budget and Management logged 25% approval and 17% trust. About four in 10 respondents expressed distrust in both agencies, pointing to concerns over budget allocation and oversight.

Accountability institutions fared slightly better but still showed modest results. The Commission on Audit recorded 34% approval and 25% trust, alongside 30% distrust. The Department of Justice posted 33% approval and 24% trust, with 39% expressing distrust.

The Office of the Ombudsman registered 28% approval and 19% trust, while 38% of respondents expressed distrust, raising questions about the perceived effectiveness of accountability mechanisms.

The Commission on Elections recorded 30% approval and 21% trust, with 44% expressing distrust.

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