President Marcos Maintains Trust in DPWH Leadership
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan continues to have the unwavering trust and confidence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., despite the controversies surrounding the nearly 10,000 flood control projects executed in the past three years under the current administration. This trust remains strong as the government intensifies its efforts to scrutinize these projects.
Palace officials reported that the President’s support for Secretary Bonoan is evident. In fact, President Marcos personally joined Bonoan during an inspection of several flood mitigation projects in Marikina City, demonstrating solidarity and confidence in the DPWH leadership amidst the ongoing review.
Calls for Leave Amidst Investigation
Earlier this month, Bacolod Representative Albee Benitez urged Secretary Bonoan to take a leave of absence while the national government investigates the flood control projects that have come under scrutiny. In response, the DPWH chief expressed his willingness to step aside if directed by the President.
However, sources close to the Palace clarified that the President does not see the need for Secretary Bonoan or other department officials to recuse themselves from the probe. They emphasized that the DPWH’s role is limited to providing information and records related to the projects, and they will not be involved in the actual investigation process.
Independent Committees Leading the Review
The review of the flood control projects is being spearheaded by Regional Project Monitoring Committees. These committees are composed of regional directors from the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev) serving as chairpersons, along with co-chairs from the Department of Budget and Management. Additionally, regional heads from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Office of the President-Presidential Management Staff, and representatives from private sector and non-government organizations participate in the review.
Community leaders noted that the committees are tasked with verifying the existence, operational status, and effectiveness of the flood control projects. Their findings will be consolidated by DepDev before being submitted to the President.
Urgency in Completing the Review
Officials conveyed that no specific timeline has been set for the completion of the review. President Marcos has instructed that the process be conducted “the sooner the better,” underscoring the urgency with which this matter is being handled.
Palace representatives assured the public that the President is personally committed to concluding the investigation swiftly and thoroughly, leaving no room for delays.
Crackdown on Corruption and Accountability
The President has vowed to eliminate corruption linked to the misuse of flood control projects. Government sources emphasized that the ongoing investigation will hold all accountable, regardless of their personal connections to the administration.
“Even if they are close to his heart, even if they are friends, the President will spare no one. Those who must be held accountable will be held accountable,” community members reported quoting Palace officials.
President Marcos earlier described the probe as “absolutely necessary” in his campaign against corrupt officials and private individuals. He stated, “We are going to keep going. This is something that is, I think, absolutely necessary. We have to clean our ranks.”
He also acknowledged the difficulty of the task, saying, “This might be a little painful. Some people close to us might be involved in these anomalies. But even if they are close to us, the public is surely much closer to our hearts, so we will put them first.”
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
