Palace Calls for Public Help to Expose Flood-Control Projects Corruption
Amid growing concerns over the lavish lifestyles of relatives linked to contractors involved in questionable flood-control projects, Malacañang has called on the public to actively participate in uncovering anomalies. The administration emphasized that fighting corruption in flood-control projects requires collective vigilance and action.
During a recent briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro responded to social media posts that exposed the extravagant living of some contractors’ family members. These posts aimed to help identify individuals connected to suspicious flood-mitigation undertakings.
“That is really the desire of President Marcos Jr.—that all of us work together to put a stop to this corruption,” Castro said in Filipino. She stressed that combating corruption should not be the sole responsibility of the government but also of citizens who witness irregularities firsthand.
“And it should not only be the government that takes action, but also the people who know what is happening around them. It would be better if they report these kinds of incidents and situations directly to the president,” she added.
Presidential Orders and Transparency Commitments
These social media exposés emerged alongside President Marcos Jr.’s directive for all government officials to undergo lifestyle checks amid ongoing investigations into problematic flood-control projects nationwide. Officials reported that this move aims to ensure accountability and transparency within the public sector.
Castro also revealed that the president and the executive branch are willing to comply with lifestyle checks. Furthermore, the president is open to making his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) public if necessary, signaling a commitment to transparency.
Recent Developments in Flood-Control Projects Investigations
In his fourth State of the Nation Address last month, President Marcos ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit a comprehensive list of all flood-control projects initiated under his administration. The goal is to identify projects that failed, remain unfinished, or exist only on paper—so-called “ghost projects.”
Two weeks after the SONA, the president held a press conference to disclose initial findings from the investigation. Community members noted that this marked a crucial step in addressing corruption in public infrastructure.
Subsequent developments include the discovery of alleged ghost projects in Bulacan. Local authorities reported the suspension of all district engineers from the province’s DPWH 1st District Engineering Office. Meanwhile, a district engineer from Batangas was arrested after allegedly attempting to bribe a lawmaker with over P3 million to halt an investigation into suspicious flood-control projects in the area.
Community Involvement Essential to Combat Corruption
Officials reiterated the importance of public participation in rooting out corruption within flood-control projects. They encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activities or irregularities directly to the highest office to ensure swift and effective action.
As the investigation continues, the administration remains firm in its commitment to transparency and accountability. The combined efforts of government and citizens alike are seen as vital to safeguarding public resources and protecting communities vulnerable to flooding.
For more news and updates on flood-control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
