Congress Debates Role in Flood Control Projects Investigation
Deputy Speaker Janette Garin recently addressed the ongoing investigations surrounding the flood control projects under scrutiny. She emphasized that while third-party groups conducting probes are welcome, the House of Representatives’ own inquiry can provide valuable support and insights.
Garin pointed out the importance of the flood control projects under scrutiny early in the discussion. She echoed Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos’ concerns that congressional involvement might be complicated, given that some lawmakers are allegedly connected to contractors who secured most of the flood control contracts.
Congressional Oversight Can Amplify Public Voices
Despite reservations, Garin noted that House investigations, such as those led by the committee on public accounts, play a crucial role. These hearings allow complaints from affected communities to reach the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), ensuring that ground-level realities are not overlooked.
“I agree with our Majority Leader, Congressman Sandro Marcos, but there are matters where Congress can contribute […] there are also inputs from the ground, because sometimes the information or data available to the national government would not be in accordance with these on the ground. And these are actually aspects where we can play a role, making sure that the people’s voices are heard,” Garin said.
She further stressed Congress’ oversight powers, stating, “There are matters in which Congress can contribute insofar as the oversight powers are concerned.”
Lawmakers Urged to Uphold Institutional Integrity
While acknowledging accusations against some lawmakers linked to contractors, Garin urged the public not to tarnish the entire institution. She explained that many legislators are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability.
“For me, we cannot just ruin the reputation of the whole institution just because there are some who are accused of wrongdoing. First of all, let us clarify, we do not object to any investigation, this should continue, and if there are people who should be held accountable, they should be held accountable. However, these aspects should not ruin the whole institution,” she said.
Garin added, “For each institution, there are really a few who will be involved in some allegations of misconduct. And this should be probed, this is also for fairness because these things might not be true. But they cannot also hide under the guise of politics if they really did something wrong.”
Multi-Committee Probe Launched on Flood Control Projects
The House committee on public accounts is currently hearing reports from the DPWH on flood control projects. Meanwhile, Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry Ridon announced that three separate committees—the public accounts committee, the committee on public works and highways, and the committee on good government and public accountability—will jointly conduct a formal investigation.
Local officials, including Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, have publicly called for third-party investigations. Magalong highlighted concerns over alleged corruption, pointing out that certain lawmakers might have used contractors as “fronts” to secure government infrastructure projects.
Majority Leader Marcos supports the call for external probes but emphasized that Congress can still play a vital role in related matters.
Presidential Condemnation and Calls for Transparency
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. strongly condemned officials and contractors accused of earning kickbacks in his fourth State of the Nation Address. He expressed disappointment and urged those involved to feel shame for their actions.
This came after Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson warned that nearly half of the country’s nearly P2 trillion flood control funds from 2011 might have been lost, prompting demands for a thorough review of these projects.
Following these events, a list of contractors was released, sparking scrutiny over alleged ties between these firms and politicians, including Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy Co, Senate President Francis Escudero, and former Pasig City mayoral candidate Sara Discaya.
Neither Discaya nor Co has commented publicly. Escudero dismissed the allegations as a “demolition job” against him. The senator faced criticism after reports revealed he allegedly inserted P142.7 billion for flood control projects into the 2025 national budget during bicameral conference committee deliberations, just before the bill was ratified and signed into law.
For more news and updates on flood control projects under scrutiny, visit Filipinokami.com.
