Lawmakers Reject Flood Control Fund Allegations
MANILA — Claims circulating on social media that six lawmakers managed to corner P800 billion in flood control funds are false, said Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan during a House hearing. These accusations, though widely shared, lack basis and are deemed highly improbable by government officials.
Secretary Bonoan addressed the issue during a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) briefing before the House Committee on Public Accounts. When asked about the claims made by a political blogger, Bonoan confirmed that the P800 billion allocation for just six legislative districts does not exist in any official record.
“I reviewed the political blogger’s claims, Your Honor, and I can say that the department has no such information. Frankly, it’s quite preposterous to suggest that six members of Congress control P800 billion worth of flood control funds,” Bonoan stated.
House Officials Demand Transparency Amid Rumors
The question was raised by Senior Deputy Speaker and Quezon Representative David Suarez, who sought to clarify the rumors spreading online. Suarez emphasized the need for transparency and truthfulness to prevent misinformation from damaging reputations.
“There have been malicious posts on social media accusing certain House members of controlling large flood control projects, and these posts have been widely shared,” Suarez said. “For the sake of transparency, I ask the secretary to comment on these unfounded claims.”
Ako Bicol Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. also requested a clear statement from Bonoan regarding the alleged fund allocation.
Bonoan reiterated, “We do not have any specific records showing that such an allocation exists for the six congressmen mentioned in the posts.”
Political Figures Involved in Allegations
Though Suarez did not name the blogger, social media posts have implicated Suarez himself, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, former appropriations chairperson Elizaldy Co, ex-senior deputy speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., former Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, and CWS party-list Representative Edwin Gardiola.
Committee on Public Accounts Chair Terry Ridon noted that these accusations did not originate from credible news sources but rather from unverified social media posts.
Addressing Political Misinformation and Oversight
Suarez stressed the importance of handling such issues seriously as the House pursues its oversight duties, especially following President Marcos’ call during his recent State of the Nation Address.
“Alam mo, sa problema na nangyayari sa ating bansa, pinupulitika ito ng marami. Tuturo, gagawa ng kuwento. Ang problema, hindi naman totoo at walang basehan,” Suarez said.
“It’s totally unfair, especially if you’re out to destroy the good name of people who were duly elected by their districts,” he added. “We need to get our facts. We need to get the truth, especially when we’re trying to investigate issues and problems that affect the country.”
Scrutiny of Flood Control Projects Intensifies
Flood control infrastructure projects are under increased scrutiny amid allegations of corruption. President Marcos condemned government officials and contractors suspected of receiving kickbacks, urging accountability and shame for those involved.
Senator Panfilo Lacson warned that nearly half of the P2 trillion allocated for flood control projects since 2011 may have been lost to irregularities. This prompted calls for a thorough review of these initiatives, especially after Metro Manila and nearby provinces experienced severe flooding from successive cyclones and an intensified southwest monsoon.
For more news and updates on flood control funds, visit Filipinokami.com.
