Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) probe into suspected irregularities in government flood-control projects. The image highlights the investigation into public infrastructure spending, alleged corruption, and the accountability of government officials and contractors.
Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published October 26, 2026
MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is investigating 26 additional flood-control projects across the Philippines over suspected irregularities, expanding scrutiny of government infrastructure spending as authorities continue examining allegations of corruption involving public officials and private contractors.
According to a report published by The Philippine Star on October 22, nine projects are being investigated by the NBI’s Southeastern Mindanao Regional Office, seven by its Bulacan District Office and five by its Cebu District Office. Other cases are being handled by specialized investigative units and regional offices.
The NBI has not publicly identified all 26 projects in the reported list, and the investigation does not establish that wrongdoing occurred in every case.
Investigations Expand Across Multiple Regions
The additional projects are separate from 47 flood-control projects in Davao City that the NBI has been examining for possible irregularities.
The bureau has also identified cases at different stages of investigation and prosecution. According to the October 22 report, 17 cases had been filed before separate investigating panels, while nine others were undergoing evaluation by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The cases involve projects in several areas, including Mindanao, Bulacan and Cebu. The NBI’s Fraud and Financial Crimes Division is also examining additional projects.
Flood-control infrastructure is intended to reduce flooding and protect communities, homes, roads and businesses. Allegations of irregularities in such projects raise questions about procurement procedures, project implementation and whether public funds have been used for their intended purposes.
Davao Projects Remain Under Scrutiny
The expanded investigation comes as the NBI continues examining flood-control contracts in Davao City.
In a separate development reported on October 15, the NBI submitted additional documents to the DOJ concerning four projects worth a combined ₱364.2 million. The bureau recommended that charges be pursued against 12 individuals, including Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) personnel and people associated with Genesis88 Construction Inc.
Investigators reportedly identified potential documentary irregularities, including photographs appearing to have been reused with different dates in records submitted to support project payments.
The allegations remain subject to the legal process. A recommendation to file charges is not a conviction, and the DOJ must evaluate the evidence and determine the appropriate next steps.
DPWH Officials Relieved Amid Continuing Probe
The October 22 report also stated that six DPWH officials and engineers had been relieved from their posts following an NBI recommendation concerning contracts associated with the Davao investigation.
The officials included personnel previously assigned to the Davao City district engineering office, as well as an assistant regional director in Bicol who had previously served in Davao. The reported action was an administrative measure and did not, by itself, establish criminal liability.
The case forms part of broader scrutiny of government flood-control spending, including the awarding of contracts, the adequacy of supporting documentation and the performance of completed infrastructure projects.
Authorities Continue Reviewing Evidence
The NBI’s investigation covers multiple regions and involves different projects, respondents and investigative stages. Authorities have not publicly established that all the projects under review involved fraud or corruption.
The next steps will depend on the evidence gathered, the findings of investigators and any decisions by the DOJ or other competent authorities. Further details about the 26 additional projects may emerge as the investigation progresses.
