SHOCKED: Mayor Lem Faustino Leads Anti-Corruption Protest Amid Floods – Billions of Pesos “Evaporated” in Ghost Projects, Calumpit Still Deeply Submerged. Billions Allocated But Town Drowns – Who Is the Culprit?

In a bold and unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the Philippines’ political landscape, Mayor Lemuel “Lem” Faustino of Calumpit, Bulacan, took to the streets on Sunday, September 21, 2025, leading a massive anti-corruption protest right in the heart of her flood-ravaged town. With water levels still lapping at the doorsteps of homes and businesses, Faustino’s rally wasn’t just a cry for help—it was a fiery indictment of systemic graft, accusing national agencies of siphoning billions of pesos meant for flood control projects that exist only on paper. “Ghost projects” have left Calumpit perpetually submerged, despite massive government allocations, turning what should be a beacon of resilience into a symbol of betrayal and neglect.

The protest, drawing thousands of soaked residents, farmers, and activists, unfolded under gray skies and relentless drizzle, mirroring the despair of a community battered by annual monsoons. Faustino, microphone in hand and wading through knee-deep water, didn’t mince words: “Hàng tỷ pesos đã được phân bổ, nhưng thị trấn của chúng tôi vẫn chìm trong lũ lụt. Những dự án ma này là sự phản bội!” (Billions of pesos have been allocated, but our town remains flooded. These ghost projects are a betrayal!) Her leadership in the demonstration has ignited national debate: Who is truly responsible for this “evaporation” of funds? Is it the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), local government units (LGUs), or higher echelons in Malacañang? As calls for accountability echo from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this event could mark a turning point in the fight against corruption in infrastructure development.

This in-depth report explores the dramatic protest, the scandal of the ghost projects, Mayor Faustino’s unyielding stance, the human toll on Calumpit, public and political reactions, and the broader implications for Philippine governance. With eyewitness accounts, expert insights, and data on the flood crisis, we uncover the layers of this shocking saga that has left a nation questioning the integrity of its leaders. (Word count: approximately 1,700)

Mayor Lem Faustino: From Local Leader to Anti-Corruption Crusader

Lemuel Faustino, a 45-year-old lawyer and two-term mayor of Calumpit, has long been known for her no-nonsense approach to governance in one of Bulacan’s most vulnerable municipalities. Elected in 2022 on a platform of transparency and community welfare, Faustino hails from a family of public servants, with her father serving as a former councilor. Her administration has focused on education, health, and disaster preparedness, but the recurring floods have tested her resolve like nothing else.

Rise to Prominence: Faustino’s political career gained traction during the 2022 elections when she promised to tackle Bulacan’s chronic flooding, a problem exacerbated by the Pampanga River’s overflow and upstream deforestation. Her hands-on style—personally distributing relief goods during Typhoon Rolly in 2020—earned her the moniker “Mayor ng Bayan” (Mayor of the People).

Personal Stakes: Living in Calumpit herself, Faustino has witnessed the devastation firsthand. Her own home was flooded in 2023, displacing her family for weeks. “I lead because I feel the pain,” she told reporters post-protest. This personal connection fueled her decision to spearhead the rally, transforming her from a local figure into a national symbol of defiance against corruption.

Faustino’s protest wasn’t impulsive; it was the culmination of months of frustration. In letters to the DPWH and the Commission on Audit (COA), she had repeatedly flagged irregularities in flood control funding. When responses were met with silence, she mobilized the community, partnering with civil society groups like the Philippine Movement for Transparency, Accountability, and Good Governance (MTAG).

The Explosive Protest: A Soaked Stand for Justice

On September 21, 2025, under the banner #LabanSaKatiwalian (Fight Against Corruption), over 3,000 residents converged at Calumpit’s town plaza, many arriving by boat or on foot through flooded streets. The rally, permitted by local authorities but monitored closely by police, began peacefully with speeches from farmers sharing tales of lost harvests and families recounting near-drownings. But as Faustino took the stage—a makeshift platform on a raised truck—the tone shifted to outrage.

Key Moments of the Rally: Faustino, dressed in a simple yellow raincoat emblazoned with her town’s seal, held up documents detailing the “ghost projects.” “We were promised dikes, pumps, and canals worth 5.2 billion pesos since 2016,” she thundered. “Where are they? Evaporated into the pockets of the corrupt!” The crowd erupted in cheers, waving placards reading “Bayad ang Buwis, Bayan ang Nalunod!” (Taxes Paid, People Drowned!). Chants of “Responsibilidad! Transparency!” filled the air as light rain turned to downpour, symbolizing the unrelenting floods.

Symbolic Acts: Protesters released black balloons representing “vanished funds” and staged a mock “funeral” for the missing projects, complete with empty coffins labeled with project names like the Calumpit River Embankment and Poblacion Drainage System. Faustino led a march to the municipal hall, where she symbolically handed a petition to DPWH representatives—though notably absent—demanding an immediate audit.

Security and Tension: While peaceful, the event saw heightened police presence, with 200 officers ensuring order. No arrests were made, but Faustino later revealed receiving anonymous threats, underscoring the risks of challenging powerful interests. The protest streamed live on social media, amassing over 1 million views within hours, amplifying its reach beyond Bulacan.

Eyewitnesses described the atmosphere as electric yet desperate. “We waded through water to fight for our future,” said Maria Santos, a 52-year-old vendor whose stall was submerged for the third time that year. The rally ended with a collective prayer for accountability, but the message was clear: Calumpit won’t drown in silence.

The Scandal Unraveled: Billions Allocated, But Ghost Projects Haunt Calumpit

At the core of the uproar are the so-called “ghost projects”—infrastructure initiatives funded by national budgets but never materialized, leaving Calumpit defenseless against seasonal floods that displace up to 20,000 residents annually. According to COA reports cited by Faustino, over 5.2 billion pesos have been allocated for flood mitigation in Bulacan since the Aquino administration, with Calumpit receiving a lion’s share for critical works.

The “Evaporation” of Funds: Investigations reveal discrepancies: Contracts awarded to shadowy contractors with ties to politicians, payments disbursed for 80% completion that never happened, and blueprints altered post-funding. A 2024 COA audit flagged 1.8 billion pesos in “suspicious disbursements” for the Calumpit Flood Control Project, including overpriced materials and ghost subcontractors. “Billions poured in, but our rivers rage unchecked,” Faustino lamented, pointing to satellite images showing incomplete dikes.

Human and Economic Toll: Calumpit’s vulnerability is stark. The town, with 108,000 residents, sits in a flood-prone delta where the Angat and Pampanga Rivers converge. Last year’s Typhoon Egay caused PHP 500 million in damages, yet no new pumps were installed despite allocations. Farmers like Jose Ramirez lost entire rice paddies, pushing families into debt. Health crises follow: Dengue cases spiked 300% post-floods due to stagnant water, overwhelming local clinics.

Systemic Issues: Experts blame a lack of LGU-DPWH coordination. Faustino highlighted how national agencies bypass local input, leading to mismatched designs. “We need synergy, not silos,” she urged. Corruption Watch Philippines estimates that 20-30% of infrastructure funds nationwide are lost to graft, a figure echoed in World Bank reports on Philippine public works.

The culprit? Fingers point to a web involving DPWH officials, local contractors, and possibly political patrons. While no names were dropped at the rally, Faustino’s petition demands a Senate blue-ribbon committee probe, vowing to name those responsible if ignored.

Mayor Faustino’s Demands: Accountability from the Top

Faustino’s protest was as much a policy critique as a personal crusade. In her speech, she called for stronger LGU-DPWH collaboration, including joint oversight committees and real-time fund tracking via digital platforms. “LGU should be one of the leaders opposing this,” she declared, positioning local governments as frontline warriors against corruption.

Direct Appeal to President Marcos: Turning to the national stage, Faustino implored President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to hold “anomalous projects” accountable. “Mr. President, your Bagong Pilipinas promises transparency—deliver it now for Calumpit!” she said, referencing his anti-corruption platform. Marcos’s administration has touted infrastructure as a priority, with the “Build Better More” program allocating trillions, but critics argue oversight lags.

Vision for Reform: Beyond blame, Faustino outlined solutions: Mandatory public bidding transparency, citizen audits, and penalties for delays. She also pushed for climate-resilient designs, like mangrove restoration, to complement hard infrastructure.

Her stance has drawn praise from allies like Senator Risa Hontiveros, who tweeted support: “Mayor Faustino is the hero we need—fighting floods and fraud head-on.”

Public Reaction: Outrage, Solidarity, and a National Wake-Up Call

The protest has galvanized public sentiment, with #LabanSaKatiwalian trending nationwide and garnering 2.5 million engagements on X (formerly Twitter). In Calumpit, residents hailed Faustino as a savior; beyond, urban Filipinos connected the dots to their own woes, like Manila’s perennial traffic from unfinished roads.

Grassroots Support: Petitions on Change.org have surpassed 50,000 signatures, demanding a full COA investigation. Civil groups like Transparency International Philippines offered legal aid, while celebrities like Angel Locsin amplified the cause on Instagram.

Political Backlash: DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan dismissed the claims as “misinformation,” promising a review, but opposition voices like ACT Teachers party-list accused the agency of stonewalling. Marcos’s office issued a statement supporting probes but urged calm, avoiding direct endorsement.

Media Storm: ABS-CBN’s Francis Orcio, who covered the event, reported live, fueling viral clips. Pundits on ANC debated: Is this isolated graft or emblematic of a corrupt system? A Pulse Asia survey post-rally showed 68% of respondents believing infrastructure corruption is rampant.

The reaction underscores a growing intolerance for impunity, especially amid economic pressures—rising rice prices and inflation at 4.5%—where every peso counts.

Broader Implications: A Flood of Change or Continued Deluge?

This Calumpit uprising could reshape Philippine anti-corruption efforts. If Faustino’s momentum builds, it might spur legislative reforms, like amending the Government Procurement Act for stricter LGU involvement. Environmentally, it highlights climate injustice: Poorer provinces like Bulacan bear the brunt while funds vanish.

Risks and Opportunities: Success could empower other mayors to speak out, but failure risks disillusionment. Economists warn that unchecked graft costs the GDP 2-3% annually, per DBM estimates.

Global Context: Similar scandals in Indonesia and Vietnam show regional patterns; the Philippines could lead by example through tech-driven accountability.

For Calumpit, immediate relief is crucial—Faustino has requested emergency funds for evacuation centers. Long-term, it’s about trust: Rebuilding not just dikes, but faith in government.

Conclusion: From Submerged Streets to Surging Hope

Mayor Lem Faustino’s leadership in the anti-corruption protest has turned Calumpit’s floods into a national clarion call, exposing how billions “evaporate” into ghost projects while towns drown. With demands for LGU-DPWH synergy and presidential accountability, this isn’t just about water—it’s about washing away corruption’s stains. As the culprit hunt intensifies, Faustino’s courage offers hope: In the face of deluge, one voice can spark a torrent of change. The nation watches—will justice flow, or will the floods return unchecked?

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