The demand for accountability and justice continues as the Marcos Jr administration has not yet prosecuted the so-called big fish behind the controversial flood control scandal.

CAGAYAN DE ORO — The Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot (KBKK) is set to stage massive anti-corruption protests to commemorate the 40th year of the first EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25.

In a statement, the coalition said that the demand for accountability and justice continues as the Marcos Jr administration has not yet prosecuted the so-called big fish behind the controversial flood control scandal. “This failure […] to prosecute those truly responsible is unacceptable and deepens public distrust.”

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the fact-finding body tasked to investigate the flood control mess and other major infrastructure projects, is set to submit a consolidated report pertaining to its work and key actions to Marcos Jr. 

In a December 26 statement, the commission has filed eight referrals with the Office of the Ombudsman and joint referrals with the Department of Public Works and Highways involving 100 individuals. These referrals led to the filing of three cases by the Ombudsman and the arrest of 16 individuals.

KBKK, however, said that charging some contractors and low-level government officials is insufficient.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) said that the ICI’s “biggest failure” is its alleged refusal to investigate the possible role of Marcos Jr. in the flood control anomalies.

It said that the commission should probe the link between Malacañang and the rollout of pork barrel projects and anomalous insertions in the national budget approved by the country’s chief executive.

Instead of prosecuting the primary responsible, KBKK said that the filing of cases against activists and the youth has escalated. These included the cases of BAYAN President Renato Reyes Jr. and campus journalist Jacob Baluyot.

Sedition and inciting to sedition were reportedly filed against Reyes and Baluyot after the September 21 anti-corruption protests. Both of them were recently summoned by the Department of Justice to submit their counter-affidavits.

“The state should instead use its power and resources to widen and deepen corruption investigations,” KBKK said, calling for the junking of what they called manufactured charges against activists and youth.

The coalition also questioned the passage of the 2026 national budget due to “billions in presidential and congressional pork” and funds under Unprogrammed Appropriations despite the president’s veto of some of its items. This proves, KBKK said, that mechanisms for corruption remain in place.

Teddy Casiño, BAYAN chairperson, said that various calls toward societal change are welcome in the upcoming mobilization. Casiño said that EDSA 1’s lesson is the people’s unity and action toward meaningful change. (RTS, DAA)