The article details the aftermath of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) pledge to crack down on corruption within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) related to flood control projects.

A year later, investigations reveal that while dozens of officials face charges for graft and mismanagement, the promised reforms have not fully materialized.

Key points include the ongoing probe into over 200 flood control projects, the removal of P252 billion in locally-funded projects from the 2026 budget, and the continued presence of implicated officials in public office.

The piece highlights the challenges in holding powerful figures accountable, the impact on infrastructure development, and the public's growing skepticism about the administration's commitment to transparency.

Despite some recoveries of misused funds, the estimated losses remain significant, raising questions about whether Marcos can effectively address the multi-billion corruption scheme within the remaining two years of his term.

The article also underscores the political implications, including the legislative branch's role in budget transparency and the broader context of corruption in the Philippines.