Liwanag

In a democratic landscape, fighting disinformation gives more space to free speech and promotes accountability. It’s in that space that accurate facts are shared to empower citizens to participate in shaping a society that we want, not only for ourselves but also for the future generations.

VERA Files is glad to share materials we have produced to promote transparency and accountability in governance, with support from the National Endowment for Democracy.

Going through the articles the past three months (July to September 2025), two issues dominated the headlines: Massive corruption in the flood control projects and developments on the case and detention of former president Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, where he is charged with crimes against humanity.

Flood control scandal

When President Bongbong Marcos kicked off the crusade against corruption in the flood control projects with his conscience-piercing soundbite “Mahiya naman kayo?” (Be ashamed) during his July 28 State of the Nation Address, did he have an idea of how  massive and widespread the corruption was and that it could reach people close to him and, perhaps, even to himself?

VERA Files’ documentary Bagong Pilipinas, saan papunta? discusses how Marcos did in his first three years and what could be in store for us in the remainder of his six-year presidency.  The video was first released in two parts: Part 1, Sept. 29, Bagong Pilipinas, Nasaan Na?; Part 2, Sept. 30, Bagong Pilipinas, saan papunta?)

For easier viewing, we updated the two episodes into one full video and the viewership dramatically increased, reaching 200,000 in 12 days.

The president’s July 28 exhortation  was like Pandora’s box. It opened more issues that led to  public outrage that continues to shake government and institutions up to now.

Emerging as major players in the flood control scandal are contactors Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who offered, but were not accepted, as state witness.  VERA Files had an explainer on what it takes to be  state witnesses?

Duterte at the ICC

The ICC’s Oct.  13 affirmation of its jurisdiction to investigate Duterte in connection with the charge of crimes against humanity for the killings that were committed in the course of his war on drugs prior to the Philippines’ withdrawal from the international tribunal clears the way for the continuation of the process for his trial.

It cannot be said that the latest setback for Duterte was due to lack of efforts or creativity by his legal team and members of his family. Here are some of VERA Files’ articles on Duterte at ICC.