PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued a stern warning to those responsible for substandard or delayed flood control projects.
During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, Marcos expressed frustration over the sluggish pace of flood mitigation programs, especially in disaster-prone areas.
“Sa mga susunod na buwan, makakasuhan ang lahat ng mga lalabas na may sala mula sa imbestigasyon, pati na ang mga kasabwat na kontratista sa buong bansa,” he said. “Kailangan malaman ng taong-bayan ang buong katotohanan. Kailangang may managot sa naging matinding pinsala at katiwalian.”
Luzon was recently hit by storms “Crising,” “Dante,” and “Enteng,” together with the southwest monsoon, which brought torrential rains to Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that the flooding caused by continuous rain resulted in 29 fatalities.
As of July 23, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reported P3.75 billion in damage to public infrastructure.
During his speech, Marcos ordered the DPWH to submit a list of flood control projects that began during his first term in 2022.
“Isasapubliko natin ang listahang ito. Kaya ang publiko na saksi sa mga proyektong ito ay malayang suriin ang listahan at magbahagi ng kanilang nalalaman para makatulong sa ating imbestigasyon,” he added.
The DPWH received P1.034 trillion under the 2025 national budget, the second-largest allocation for this year.
Among DPWH’s flood control projects since 2011 are pumping stations and floodways, with P11.47 trillion in budget allocation.
“Sa mga nakikipagsabwatan upang kunin ang pondo ng bayan at nakawin ang kinabukasan ng ating mga mamamayan, mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino. Mahiya naman kayo sa mga kabahayan nating naanod o nalubog sa mga pagbaha,” Marcos said.
“Mahiya naman kayo lalo sa mga anak natin na magmamana ng mga utang na ginawa ninyo nang binulsa ninyo ang pera,” the president added.
Some netizens were quick to point out Marcos Jr.’s lack of credibility on the issue of corruption, as the Supreme Court had ruled in 2003 that over P25 billion worth of Marcos family assets were considered ill-gotten wealth. Luis Angelo N. Palma
