President Marcos’ lifestyle check order is a necessary start

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to conduct lifestyle checks on government officials—starting with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)—is a long-overdue step in addressing one of the country’s most persistent cancers — systemic corruption. But for this move to yield meaningful results, it must go beyond symbolism. It must be deep, wide-reaching, and unflinching—even if it means confronting the most powerful figures in Philippine politics.

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The President’s order came amid the growing controversy over anomalous flood control projects, which are once again under public scrutiny after the President’s State of the Nation Address where he exposed the substandard projects, saying “Mahiya naman kayo” to those involved. And recently, a Senate hearing had uncovered ghost projects.

In a country regularly battered by monsoon rains and typhoons, flood control infrastructure is a lifeline. When billions are poured into projects that fail to deliver—or worse, never get built at all—this isn’t just corruption. It’s criminal negligence that endangers lives and livelihoods.

Malacañang confirmed that the checks would begin with DPWH officials. But this must not stop there. Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro clarified that the President’s instruction covers "all those involved in anomalous flood control projects," and could extend to other agencies as necessary. That’s the right signal—but the real test lies in the follow-through.