President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the government has recovered, frozen, or preserved nearly ₱25 billion in funds and assets linked to those accused in the multibillion-peso flood control corruption scandal, with more than ₱800 million already returned to the National Treasury.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said the recoveries were part of the government's campaign to hold accountable those involved in anomalous flood control projects, which he first exposed during his previous SONA.

"Kaakibat ng naisampang kaso, tiniyak ng inyong pamahalaan na mababawi mula sa mga nagsabwatan ang nakuha nilang pera sa taumbayan. Gayundin, pinigilan natin ang paglabas ng pera ng bayan na ipambabayad pa dapat sa mga depektibo, peke o guni-guning mga proyekto at mapupunta lamang sa mga tiwaling kontraktor at opisyal," Marcos said.

"Halos dalawampu't limang bilyong piso ang halaga ng nabawi, frozen, at napreserbang mga pera at ari-arian ng mga akusado," added.

"Ang mahigit walong daang milyong piso rito ay agad nating naibalik sa Treasury," he continued.

Marcos explained that all money recovered from those found liable for corruption would be immediately returned to the national coffers.

"Lahat ng mababawi mula sa mga sangkot na tiwali ay agad na ibabalik sa kaban ng bayan," he said.

The President also expressed confidence that those responsible would eventually be held accountable, saying the country's justice system is moving forward.

"Nananalig din tayo sa makatarungang hatol ng hukuman. Makakaasa kayo na ang gulong ng hustisya ay tumatakbo," he said.

Aside from the flood control projects under investigation, Marcos said the government has also reviewed infrastructure projects to ensure there is no overpricing and has opened public works programs to greater public scrutiny in an effort to improve transparency and accountability.