Ghost projects, missing funds: How the Philippines flooded while ‘nepo babies’ live in luxury
Manila: Weeks of torrential monsoon rains have left large swathes of the Philippines submerged, paralysing transport, displacing communities, and overwhelming hospitals with cases of leptospirosis. While the country is no stranger to seasonal flooding, this year’s deluge has proved especially destructive and politically explosive.
At the centre of the growing storm is a public outcry over alleged corruption in flood control projects, as well as the conspicuous displays of wealth by the children of those implicated. Dubbed “nepo babies” on social media, they have become lightning rods for a nation incensed by both governmental failures and elite extravagance.
The public protests are reminiscent of Nepal, where a Gen Z-led anti‑corruption movement erupted in early September when protesters rose up against perceived government corruption, elitism, economic inequality, and the banning of several social media platforms.
Meanwhile, Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has admitted that some flood mitigation projects, including a much-publicised dam, were never constructed, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.
In one instance, he visited a site where a USD 3 million river wall was supposedly completed, only to find barren land. “They didn’t work for even a single day,” he said. “Even if you see it for yourself, you won’t see anything.”
Investigations have reportedly revealed the existence of “ghost projects” — infrastructure declared completed on paper but non-existent in reality.
The fallout has already shaken the political establishment. The House Speaker has resigned, and the Senate President has been ousted over alleged connections to questionable contractors.
President Marcos has since ordered lifestyle checks on officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the agency responsible for these projects.
Anger turns to "nepo babies”
But public anger is no longer directed solely at politicians. The backlash has extended to their families, particularly their children, whose social media posts — showcasing luxury goods, designer clothes, private jets, and supercars — have gone viral for all the wrong reasons.
Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit have become hubs for what Filipinos are calling “corrupt-shaming.”
One subreddit, lifestylecheckPH, has attracted thousands of users since its launch in late August. There, netizens re-upload videos and screenshots of affluent heirs flaunting Dior, Fendi, Hermès, and luxury vehicles — often with captions sarcastically thanking taxpayers for their generosity.
Among the most criticised are Pacifico and Sarah Discaya, once celebrated for their "rags-to-riches" ascent. Their construction firm secured billions in flood control contracts. But public sentiment shifted sharply after old footage resurfaced showing them boasting a garage of nearly three dozen luxury cars, including colour-matched Maybachs and Porsches.
Another prominent figure is Claudine Co, daughter of the owner of Hi-Tone Construction and niece to Congressman Zaldy Co — both linked to companies named in the flood project investigation. Known for her content showcasing luxury shopping sprees and price-tag reveals, Claudine has since deactivated her YouTube and Instagram accounts amid the backlash.
A mass anti-corruption protest is scheduled for September 21 - the anniversary of martial law under the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr. – symbolically connecting past abuses of power with present-day frustrations.
President Marcos Jr. has pledged a thorough investigation to “unmask the swindlers” and called for calm ahead of the demonstrations.