Tuesday, 29 July 2025, 4:43 am

    President Marcos orders audit of flood-control projects nationwide

    President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered a full audit of all flood control projects initiated or completed in the last three years, following massive flooding that displaced millions, claimed lives, and devastated livelihoods. In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos criticized the poor quality—or outright absence—of many of these projects.

    Recalling his weekend inspection of areas hit by tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong, along with the Southwest Monsoon, Marcos said many flood control infrastructures were either poorly constructed or completely nonexistent.

    “Huwag na po tayong magkunwari. Alam naman ng buong madla na nagkaka-racket sa mga proyekto. Mga kickback, mga initiative, errata, SOP, for the boys,” Marcos said. “Kaya 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! Mahiya naman kayo lalo sa mga anak natin na magmamana sa mga utang na ginawa ninyo, na binulsa niyo lang ang pera.”

    (Let us not feign innocence. The public knows that many of these projects are riddled with corruption—kickbacks, shady initiatives, errata, standard operating procedures, for the boys. Those who have conspired to steal public funds and rob our citizens of their future, shame on you. Have some decency! Have some conscience, especially for those whose homes were swept away or submerged in floods! Have pity on our children, who will inherit the debts you’ve created and pocketed.)

    To end these corrupt practices, Marcos directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to “immediately submit to me a list of all flood control projects from every region that were started or completed in the last three years.” He further ordered the Regional Project Monitoring Committees to assess the list and report which projects had failed, were left unfinished, or existed only on paper.

    The President said the list will be made public to allow citizens to scrutinize government spending. “At the same time, there will be an audit and performance review regarding these projects to check and make sure and to know how your money was spent,” he said.

    Marcos also took aim at the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and its failed joint venture projects, citing widespread complaints affecting over six million consumers. He noted growing dissatisfaction with Prime Water, operated by the Villar Group, due to poor service, high fees, and water supply issues.

    Aside from improving water services, the President assured the public that companies and officials who fail to deliver will be held accountable.

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