Lawmakers has called on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to explain why no “big fish” have been held accountable in the ongoing flood control scam, despite earlier government assurances that arrests would be made before Christmas.

Kamanggagawa representative Eli San Fernando questioned why, after multiple hearings, investigations, and government responses from the Senate, Congress, and other agencies, 2025 is ending without any major figures being prosecuted.

San Fernando emphasized that accountability should not be limited to low-level officials and private contractors, who have so far been the only ones facing charges while some remain in detention.

“May makukulong daw at very confident ang gobyerno, ang pamahalaan na may makukulong. Eh ang problema hanggang ngayon, mga malilit na isda pa lang ‘yong nahuli,” San Fernando said.

House Minority Leader Antonio Tiñio echoed this sentiment, criticizing Marcos’ public statement claiming that those involved in the scam would be held responsible before Christmas.

Tiñio noted that key players in the scandal, which involves millions of pesos from ghost and substandard flood control projects, have not been held accountable.

He cited Elizadly Co, who remains abroad, while other principal figures, including Bernardo and Bonoan, were allowed to leave the country.

Meanwhile, Bersamin, Pagdanganan, and Cadiz were only permitted to resign from their positions, and, according to Tiñio, have not yet faced charges at the Ombudsman.

Tiñio also criticized the apparent lack of follow-through from congressional bodies pointing out that when President Marcos mentioned accountability, it seems the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee lost interest, and the House immediately suspended its investigation into the flood control scam even before flagged “cong-tractor” (contractors turned congressmen) names were revealed.