A newly formed anti-corruption group called Artikulo Onse: Citizens’ War Against Corruption has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to establish an independent body to investigate alleged anomalies in flood control projects. The group said current probes led by government agencies and lawmakers may not be credible or impartial and called for a citizen-led inquiry instead.
Launched at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on National Heroes’ Day, Artikulo Onse emphasized that an independent commission should be composed of retired magistrates, labor representatives, members of the clergy, and other individuals with integrity and credibility. Its members also vowed to create a nationwide watchdog network across 77 cities to document and expose corruption cases.
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Call for Independent Oversight
Former House Deputy Speaker and Liberal Party acting president Erin Tañada underscored the deeper implications of the issue, linking the misuse of funds to a broader governance crisis.
“The floodwaters expose more than our fragile infrastructure. They reveal cracks in governance, missing billions, and the erosion of public trust. Every peso lost to corruption is a classroom left unfinished, a health center never completed, a family unprotected against disaster. This controversy over flood control projects highlights an urgent need for stronger safeguards for the people's money,” Tañada said.
He added that pushing for a genuine Freedom of Information law would help strengthen institutions by ensuring transparency in all government transactions. Tañada also said that if President Marcos pursues a strong anti-corruption campaign, it could “eventually erase whatever historical judgment there was on the previous Marcos administration.”
Voices from Labor and Civil Society
Labor leader Ka Leody de Guzman stressed that the independent commission should not be dominated by politicians.
"The majority should come from representatives of the sectors, not—let me repeat—not from Congress. Not from the Senate,” De Guzman said.
Former congressman JV Bautista, who also serves as United Nationalist Alliance secretary-general, questioned the ability of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) to lead the probe.
"Do they even have their feet on the ground? Have they ever, for example, gone to a strike or to the shanty of a poor informal settler? Have they experienced that? They only work with figures. What we need is an honest-to-goodness citizens' investigating commission headed by the most credible Filipinos we can find,” Bautista said.
Artikulo Onse also announced plans for a “shame campaign” targeting individuals proven to be involved in corruption in both the public and private sectors. According to its convenor, Ricky Rivera, evidence collected nationwide would be posted on their website, including videos, while formal charges would be filed when possible.
The group’s leaders said their movement draws inspiration from Article XI of the 1987 Constitution, which reminds that “a public office is a public trust.” By mobilizing ordinary citizens, Artikulo Onse aims to hold officials accountable and restore public trust in governance.
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