Bangladesh, Nov. 26 -- The Philippine government has launched one of its most sweeping anti-corruption crackdowns in years, arresting seven individuals linked to a multi-million-peso scandal involving allegedly fraudulent flood-control projects and signalling that even higher-ranking officials may soon face charges. The operation, led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., marks a decisive-though controversial-moment in Manilas attempt to restore public trust amid mounting outrage over “ghost” infrastructure programs.

Authorities confirmed on November 25 that more arrests are expected in the coming weeks after seven suspects were detained in connection with ...