Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s assurance that even his allies will not be spared from the flood control scam investigation would strengthen accountability efforts, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said Monday. Hontiveros noted that the Chief Executive's statement reinforces the call to prosecute officials implicated in multi-billion-peso scams and to blacklist contractors involved in anomalous projects. She added that officials who obstruct investigations should likewise face charges.

According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros emphasized that the President's commitment to hold everyone accountable, regardless of political ties, is a significant step towards ensuring justice. She stated, "Ngayon, si Presidente mismo ang nagsabi na kahit kaalyado niya ay di niya tatantanan. Simple lang dapat: Kapag sangkot ka sa flood control scam, mananagot ka," underscoring that involvement in the scam should lead to accountability.

The senator also called for a coordinated probe by the Commission on Audit, Office of the Ombudsman, and Department of Justice to trace the money trail and identify those behind the anomalous projects. She welcomed the support of local officials speaking out against the irregularities and vowed to push for safeguards in the 2026 national budget to block similar scams. Hontiveros is committed to advocating for these measures to prevent similar anomalies from occurring in the future.