The Philippines is currently grappling with twin controversies surrounding alleged infrastructure corruption: the physical failure of flood control projects in Davao City, and a deepening political storm ignited by a missing whistleblower whose testimony is central to implicating top lawmakers in the misuse of public funds.
Infrastructure Integrity Questioned in Davao
A joint inspection by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recently exposed alarming deficiencies in several flood control projects in Davao City.
One particular project—a curved section of a flood control structure along the Davao River in Matina Aplaya, completed in May 2023—failed just eight months after its completion. The structure reportedly succumbed to a massive surge of water and debris, causing a critical section to collapse. The early failure of such a newly finished project has fueled suspicions that the massive corruption surrounding infrastructure funds extends to substandard construction and potentially deliberate malpractice.
During the inspection, which also included former ICI special advisor and current Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, officials examined an installed road slope protection and rockfall netting near the Junction Shrine Hills of the Davao City Diversion Road. The findings suggest that the widespread reports of corruption, allegedly rooted in the previous administration, are now physically manifesting in failed infrastructure designed to protect communities.
These failures are intensifying calls for accountability, with speculation pointing toward the “masterminds” behind these compromised projects facing imminent legal scrutiny.
The Gotesa Controversy: Marcoleta’s Defense and Fading Credibility
Meanwhile, the political investigation into the alleged large-scale misappropriation of public funds linked to infrastructure projects continues to be derailed by the puzzling case of key witness Orlie Gotesa.
Former Congressman Rodante Marcoleta has vehemently defended Gotesa in a recent interview, branding him as the “most credible witness ever presented” to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Marcoleta expressed dismay, suggesting that the investigation, led by Senator Ping Lacson, seems to be neglecting Gotesa’s testimony and diverting its focus elsewhere.
Marcoleta’s argument hinges on the idea that Gotesa is highly reliable because he has “nothing to gain and everything to lose,” including his life and the safety of his family. Crucially, Marcoleta emphasized that Gotesa’s value lies in his ability to “connect the dots from [former Congressman] Zaldy Co to [House Speaker] Martin Romualdez.” Gotesa previously claimed to have secured personnel who delivered large sums of cash from Co to Romualdez.
Marcoleta Under Fire for Hiding the Witness
Despite Marcoleta’s insistence on Gotesa’s importance, he and his allies are now facing intense criticism for failing to ensure Gotesa’s continued cooperation with authorities.
Critics argue that if Gotesa is truly the linchpin against Romualdez, Marcoleta should be actively presenting him. However, after his initial appearance before the Senate, Gotesa failed to appear when subpoenaed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for further deposition and verification of his claims.
Senator Lacson has repeatedly stressed that the DOJ needs Gotesa’s testimony verified to build a credible case. The lawmaker has scheduled another hearing on November 14 and publicly requested Marcoleta’s office to assist in locating the witness.
Adding to the confusion, Marcoleta and his ally, Mike Defensor, previously claimed Gotesa was under the protection of the Marines. However, the Marine Commandant swiftly denied these claims, stating Gotesa was not in their custody. The inability of Marcoleta’s camp to produce the witness undermines their public narrative that the investigation is suppressing Gotesa’s evidence.
Damaging Disclosures: The Affidavit’s Questionable Genesis
The credibility of Gotesa’s testimony was further compromised by disclosures from Mike Defensor, who admitted to the extent of his and Marcoleta’s involvement in preparing Gotesa’s sworn affidavit.
Defensor confessed that he and Marcoleta “helped Gotesa in preparing his affidavit.” He revealed that they met with Gotesa for an extended period, suggesting the affidavit was not a spontaneous declaration but a carefully crafted narrative. This revelation directly contradicts the initial impression given by Marcoleta that Gotesa was a surprise witness who spontaneously came forward.
The process of notarization was also questioned:
Defensor revealed they even had to Google search for a 24-hour notary public in Manila, indicating a hurried, clandestine effort to finalize the document.
The Senate Pro Tempore later confirmed through Senate CCTV footage that Gotesa was at Marcoleta’s office for 30 minutes on the morning of September 25, right before the committee hearing. This indicates Marcoleta was aware of and prepared Gotesa’s testimony, yet he failed to inform the Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman, Senator Lacson, beforehand—an act seen by some as an attempt to ambush the committee.
Defensor also admitted sending people to accompany Gotesa to the notary, leading to speculation that Gotesa may not have even personally appeared before the notary, which would render the document legally dubious.
Critics argue that Marcoleta’s actions—helping write the statement, keeping the witness hidden, and refusing to facilitate his appearance before the DOJ—indicate a strategy designed less to seek truth and more to launch a political attack that ultimately prioritized sensationalism over legal viability.
As the political maneuvering continues, the flood control projects are failing, and the witness has vanished, leaving the public to question not only the scope of the corruption but the sincerity of those claiming to champion accountability. The public waits to see if Marcoleta will successfully produce Gotesa on November 14 to substantiate the claims against top political figures or if this crucial testimony will be permanently lost.
