President Marcos Condemns Corruption in Flood Control Projects
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered a strong message during his fourth State of the Nation Address, urging officials involved in flood control projects to stop the corruption that has led to substandard infrastructure and worsening floods. “Mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino (Shame on you especially towards your fellow Filipinos),” he declared, emphasizing the urgency of accountability.
The president’s remarks came amid recent heavy rains and widespread flooding caused by the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, compounded by three tropical cyclones named Crising, Dante, and Emong. These weather events exposed the failures in flood control efforts across various regions.
Inspection Reveals Failures in Flood Control Projects
Marcos recounted his personal inspection of the affected areas, where he witnessed firsthand the collapse of many flood control structures. “I clearly saw for myself that many flood control projects were failures – they crumbled, and then, there were others that were existing just in the imagination,” he reported. His words underscored the frustration over projects that were either poorly executed or simply never materialized.
He further highlighted the widespread corruption involving kickbacks, manipulation of standard procedures, and favoritism in awarding contracts. “Let us not pretend anymore. The whole public already knows the racketeering going on involving the projects – kickbacks, initiative, errata, SOP (standard operating procedures), ‘for the boys,’” Marcos asserted.
Demanding Accountability and Transparency
Addressing those who have exploited public funds, the president warned, “Shame on you. (Mahiya naman kayo.) Be ashamed because our fellow Filipinos were swept by floods or were submerged in floodwaters. Be ashamed of our children who will inherit that debt incurred because of what you committed, because you pocketed the funds.”
To prevent future failures, Marcos ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to compile a comprehensive list of all flood control projects initiated or completed within the past three years. This list will undergo scrutiny by regional project monitoring committees tasked with identifying failed, unfinished, or ghost projects.
“Second, the regional project monitoring committee shall examine that list of projects and give a report on those that had been failures, those that were not finished, and those that were alleged to be ghost projects,” the president explained. He added that the list would be published publicly to enable citizens to help in monitoring and reporting irregularities.
Audit and Performance Reviews to Follow
Marcos also announced plans for an audit and performance review of these flood control projects. This initiative aims to verify proper use of taxpayers’ money and ensure that public funds are not wasted or misappropriated.
Local leaders and sources noted the president’s firm stance as a vital step towards restoring trust and improving disaster resilience in the country. The call for transparency and accountability in flood control projects resonates deeply with Filipinos who have suffered the consequences of poor governance.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
