MANILA – A majority of Filipinos expressed anger and fear over the multibillion-peso corruption scandal involving government flood control projects, according to the latest OCTA Research Tugon ng Masa survey..

The survey, conducted from September 25 to 30 among 1,500 adult respondents, found that 60 percent of Filipinos felt anger or outrage, while 30 percent expressed fear and anxiety about the alleged misuse of public funds.

Meanwhile, nine percent said they felt sadness or sorrow, and one percent remained hopeful or optimistic despite the controversy.

“A clear majority of Filipinos express outrage and frustration over corruption in government infrastructure projects, particularly those involving flood control,” OCTA said in a statement.

The survey also revealed that the public places greater trust in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) than in Congress to handle the probe into the corruption scandal.

Forty-six percent of respondents said the ICI is the most suitable body to lead the investigation, compared with 23 percent who favored the Senate and 13 percent who preferred the House of Representatives.

“Overall, these findings reveal a clear preference for independent oversight and citizen participation in corruption investigations,” OCTA said. “The strong support for an external, integrity-based commission underscores the public’s skepticism toward political institutions and highlights the need for new, transparent mechanisms of accountability that can restore public confidence in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.”

The survey comes amid reports that former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials alleged some lawmakers demanded kickbacks of up to 30 percent from infrastructure funds inserted into the national budget under unprogrammed appropriations.

Amid waning public trust, both the House of Representatives and the Senate have suspended their respective investigations into the scandal.

Meanwhile, 83 percent of respondents said they agreed with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to expose flood control contractors linked to the controversy, while three percent disagreed.