Flood Control Projects Under National Expenditure Program Revealed
Several anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan, including one labeled a ghost project by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., were funded under the National Expenditure Program (NEP), sources revealed on Tuesday. Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry Ridon highlighted that these projects were part of the 2025 NEP, which laid the groundwork for the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The inclusion of these flood control projects under the National Expenditure Program means the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) initiated the proposals, not local lawmakers. This detail is crucial in understanding the source of the controversial projects and their funding.
Understanding the National Expenditure Program and Its Role
The National Expenditure Program serves as the executive branch’s proposed budget, consolidating funding requests from government agencies, including the DPWH. Once Congress reviews and amends the NEP, it transforms into the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) and, upon the President’s signature, becomes the General Appropriations Act.
Representative Ridon pointed out that the “Reinforced Concrete Riverwall Project,” executed by DPWH’s Bulacan First Engineering District Office in partnership with Syms Construction Trading, was part of the 2025 NEP and subsequently included in the 2025 GAA. This project was inspected and classified as a ghost project by President Marcos Jr.
Lawmakers’ Role and Accountability Clarified
The fact that these flood control projects appear in the National Expenditure Program suggests that lawmakers from the affected districts did not propose them. This point was echoed by Oriental Mindoro 1st District Representative Arnan Panaligan, who faced similar accusations concerning a damaged flood control project in his jurisdiction.
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson recently delivered a privilege speech, presenting evidence of tracking anomalous flood control projects nationwide. Although he did not directly name Representative Panaligan, Lacson’s presentation featured a social media post from Panaligan’s account showcasing an accomplishment report on flood control projects from June 30, 2022, to December 31, 2023.
In response, Panaligan denied any direct involvement, emphasizing that the DPWH proposed and implemented the projects. He explained that while Congress appropriates funding, lawmakers do not manage the disbursement or execution of projects handled by national government agencies like the DPWH.
National Spotlight on Flood Control Infrastructure
The scrutiny over flood control infrastructure projects intensified after President Marcos Jr. condemned government officials and contractors allegedly involved in kickbacks during his fourth State of the Nation Address. He expressed strong disapproval, stating these individuals should be ashamed.
This condemnation followed Senator Lacson’s warning that nearly half of the country’s almost P2 trillion allocated for flood control projects since 2011 may have been lost or misused. This alarming revelation prompted calls for a thorough review and audit of all flood control initiatives nationwide.
President Marcos subsequently released a list of contractors linked to questionable projects. Observers quickly noted connections between these contractors and various lawmakers and politicians, raising concerns about the integrity of project implementation and fund management.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
