By Matthew Allan Miguel S. Toledo I Under the Surface
When the skies pour down, it’s not nature that drowns us but the corruption that floods our nation.
Every year, heavy rain turns into disaster. Streets become rivers, homes are washed away, and lives are lost. People often blame nature for the flooding, but the truth is, most of it is man-made. It is not just the rain, it’s the failure of the government and the abuse of power by those who were supposed to protect the people.
For years, the government has promised flood control projects, drainage improvements, and better disaster response. Yet, every rainy season, we see the same scenes of people walking through knee-deep water or sometimes being trapped in chest-deep floodwater, rescuing children on makeshift rafts, and waiting for help that arrives late. The problem is not just the lack of preparation, it’s corruption, neglect, and greed.
Millions of pesos are allocated for flood control, but where does the money go? Many projects are left unfinished, some are poorly built, and others exist only on paper, the so-called “Ghost Projects.”
Meanwhile, illegal logging, mining, and reclamation continue under the watch of local officials who turn a blind eye for extra profit. When forests are cut down and waterways are blocked by garbage or construction, flooding almost becomes unavoidable.
The abuse of power makes everything worse. Some leaders use disaster funds to support their lavish lifestyle or political campaigns instead of real recovery efforts. Evacuation centers are often under-equipped, and relief goods sometimes never reach those who need them most. It’s frustrating to see ordinary citizens suffering while those in power remain comfortable and untouched.
The flood-control corruption scandal hits the Philippines hard. The country is already one of the most vulnerable to climate change, and floods keep causing damage and claiming the lives of many. The government keeps saying it’s doing something about it, but the results tell a different story. Despite all the promises, corruption continues to thrive. The Philippines still ranks poorly in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, proving that the real problem isn’t nature, it’s bad governance.
To finally break the cycle of flooding, the government must take corruption seriously, especially in handling public funds and infrastructure projects. Citizens also need to take responsibility by reducing plastic waste, particularly single-use plastics like bags, bottles, straws, styrofoam, and sachets that clog canals and waterways. This is not just about protecting the environment; it’s about preventing disasters and safeguarding communities.
Flooding is not just a natural disaster, it is a reflection of corrupt and failed leadership. Until the government learns to put honesty and accountability first, we will continue to live in a cycle of destruction and recovery that never truly ends. People deserve leaders who act, not just speak; who build and help, not just promise.
Nature may bring the rain, but it is bad governance that turns it into tragedy.