Marcos Vows Crackdown on Failed Flood Control Projects
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has firmly pledged that no one will be exempt from accountability in the administration’s crackdown on failed flood control projects. This promise extends even to his closest allies, as the country grapples with severe flooding caused by these shortcomings.
In the third episode of the “Sa Likod ng Sona” segment of the PBBM Podcast, aired recently, the president emphasized his commitment to not only identifying those responsible but also resolving the flood problems that have submerged many communities nationwide.
Accountability at the Forefront
“You cannot fix the problem without knowing who to blame. So, one thing follows another,” Marcos said when asked about holding those accountable for the floods. He explained that understanding what went wrong is essential to solving the issue.
“For us to fix the problem, we have to know what happened, where it went wrong, and who should be held accountable,” he added. “Someone must be held accountable because of the hardships our fellow Filipinos are going through. They deserve to know who is responsible, and someone has to answer for their suffering.”
He also sent a stern warning to allies implicated in irregularities. “Sorry, but I can no longer consider you an ally if that’s what you’re doing. I don’t want to be allied with you anymore.”
DPWH Ordered to Review Flood Projects
During his recent State of the Nation Address, Marcos directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit a comprehensive list of all flood control projects initiated under his watch. The goal is to identify which projects were incomplete, failed, or merely “ghost” projects.
“So, the people will find out. Those from Barangays 1, 2, 3 will say, ‘That’s supposed to be in our area, but we never saw anything like that.’ Then they should report it,” the president said.
Marcos revealed some names have already surfaced, including corporations and contractors whose substandard work has become evident. “We will put them on a blacklist. They will no longer be allowed to enter into contracts with the government,” he warned.
Causes of Widespread Flooding
In a separate interview with a local radio station, the Public Works Secretary attributed the widespread flooding to silted rivers and budget cuts affecting flood control projects. Recent heavy rains exacerbated the situation, leaving many areas submerged.
The proposed 2025 national budget allocates P1.007 trillion to the DPWH, the second-largest after the education sector. However, President Marcos vetoed P26.065 billion worth of public works projects related to flood mitigation and control.
The vetoed funds included P4.58 billion for constructing and maintaining flood mitigation structures and drainage systems, P2.88 billion for flood control facilities along major river basins, and P182.7 million for water supply and sewerage system improvements, among others.
As local leaders noted, these budget adjustments have impacted the government’s ability to implement crucial flood control measures effectively.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
