Leaders Unite Against Corruption in Flood Control Projects
Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio recently met with Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to address corruption issues in flood control projects. Their discussion centered on efforts to expose and hold accountable officials and contractors involved in alleged anomalies.
The meeting, held in Baguio City on a Friday morning, was shared with the media through Tinio’s office. This timely gathering comes ahead of an upcoming House tri-committee probe focusing on the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) implementation of infrastructure projects and related irregularities.
House Committees Prepare for Probing Flood Control Anomalies
Lawmakers assured Mayor Magalong that he will be treated with respect and dignity if invited to testify before the House infrastructure panel. Representatives Bienvenido Abante Jr. and Terry Ridon, who heads the House committee on public accounts, stated that an official invitation will be extended at the appropriate time.
Ridon emphasized that if Magalong participates, he should reveal the identities of 67 lawmakers allegedly linked as contractors to the controversial projects, as well as those who received 30 to 40 percent kickbacks. “If he will do this under oath, he will be afforded all the respect and dignity,” Ridon said.
Massive Flood Control Budget Raises Concerns
On August 11, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed that approximately P100 billion—18 percent of the total P545-billion flood mitigation budget from July 2022 to May 2025—was awarded to only 15 out of 2,409 accredited contractors. This revelation has sparked widespread calls for transparency and accountability.
The DPWH identified provinces with the highest number of flood control projects, including Bulacan (668), Cebu (414), Isabela (341), Pangasinan (313), Pampanga (292), Albay (273), Leyte (262), Tarlac (258), Camarines Sur (252), and Ilocos Norte (224).
Flood-Prone Areas Highlight Urgency for Effective Projects
According to the National Adaptation Plan of the Philippines 2023-2025, the most flood-prone regions include Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Oriental Mindoro, and Ilocos Norte. These areas urgently require effective flood control measures.
Community members and local leaders continue to call for thorough investigations into the flood control projects to ensure public funds are used properly and that those responsible for corruption are held accountable.
For more news and updates on flood control projects and government accountability, visit Filipinokami.com.
