President Marcos Uncovers Flood-Control Project Issues
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently disclosed that 64 percent of flood-control projects under his administration lack clear project descriptions or are inconsistently located despite having identical contract costs. This revelation highlights serious concerns about transparency and project management within these initiatives.
Since taking office in July 2022, the government has allocated a total of P545 billion to flood-control projects nationwide. However, sources reported that more than P350 billion worth of these projects—totaling 6,021—fail to specify the exact type of flood-control work being undertaken.
Identical Costs Raise Red Flags
Further scrutiny revealed that many projects are assigned to different locations but share the exact same contract cost. Officials noted this anomaly as highly unusual and potentially indicative of deeper issues.
President Marcos emphasized, “I think anybody who works in either the private or public sector, if told there are 50 projects, all identical, each costing P150 million—exactly the same, all the same—would say that’s impossible.”
He added, “It is impossible for one barangay, even if they are the next barangay, to have the exact same project for the exact same amount with the same contractor. That’s impossible. And that is why that is a significant – significant finding already that we have made.”
Investigation Still Ongoing, No Final Judgments
Despite these irregularities, the president clarified that the projects cannot yet be labeled as “ghost projects.” The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are carefully gathering evidence before taking any further action.
“If there is evidence of consumption, embezzlement, or any kind of wrongdoing, that’s when we will move,” Marcos stated. He also called on citizens to participate actively by reporting suspicious activities to help ensure accountability.
Regional Distribution of Flood-Control Projects
Community members noted that Metro Manila leads in the number of flood-control projects, with 1,058 initiatives amounting to P52.57 billion. Central Luzon follows with 1,617 projects valued at P98.01 billion, while the Bicol Region (Region V) has 866 projects worth P49.61 billion.
Facing the Flood Challenge Together
The flood-control projects are critical in addressing the increasing threat of flooding, especially after recent typhoons that have severely affected coastal areas like Dagupan City in Pangasinan. Residents there have struggled with rising waters, wading through floods or relying on boats in business districts.
Local leaders and community members continue to urge vigilance and cooperation to ensure that flood-control efforts are both effective and transparent.
For more news and updates on flood-control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
