An independent probe into the flood of scandals?

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. followed up the big, bold statement he made in his most recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) with an exposé of sorts that sent both signals to, and shivers down, the spine of the parties concerned.

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In so doing, our President appears to be ready to make history and carve for himself a special place in the ranks of those who stood at the helm and steered the country’s rudder.

In his latest SONA, the President, speaking in the vernacular, pricked the conscience of those whom he believes are involved in what he referred to as massive corruption, particularly in the implementation of public works projects, specifically, flood control infrastructure. He pointedly told them to “have some shame,” apparently assuming that those involved in the anomaly are capable of feeling a sense of guilt.

A more recent “exposé” by the President appeared to show that both conscience and guilt are a rare commodity among those who may be involved in the anomalies that have triggered the Chief Executive’s anger.

In a press conference, the President unveiled the list of top contractors who have secured the largest share of projects under the multi-billion-peso flood control program of the national government, which is implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The President’s presentation showing that some 20 percent of the total national government expenditure on 9,000-plus flood control programs went to just 15 contractors. Based on the total expenditure of ®545-plus billion, the President said that about P100 billion-worth of projects appear to have been “cornered” by the now-famous 15.