In 2024, the Philippine presidency announced that more arrests are expected in 2026 as it continues to investigate alleged corruption tied to flood‑control projects.
The statement cited the recent detention of the Discaya couple as proof that the probe is moving forward, countering criticism that no high‑ranking officials had been jailed before Christmas.
Acting Secretary Dave Gomez, head of the Presidential Communications Office, said critics compared the Discaya couple to Janet Lim Napoles and highlighted the unexplained wealth of the couple as evidence of a larger corruption network.
Gomez also noted that both the Discaya couple spent the holidays in detention, refuting claims that no action had been taken. He emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing and that similar high‑profile cases in the past took months before senior figures were jailed.
The palace responded to renewed criticism over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pledge to imprison big‑fish corruption figures before Christmas. ACT Teachers party‑list Representative Antonio Tinio questioned the administration’s record and alleged selective prosecution.
Marcos said investigators were close to completing strong cases against people linked to anomalous flood‑control projects, stressing the government’s priorities: holding perpetrators accountable, recovering stolen public funds, and implementing reforms to prevent future corruption.
"We have started a robust probe into the alleged corruption, and we will not rest until we bring those responsible to justice," Gomez said.
