PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a full investigation into the government’s multibillion-peso flood control program after an internal audit revealed “disturbing” patterns in project awards and spending, including 15 contractors cornering nearly 20% of the over PHP500-billion budget.
In a Palace press briefing Monday, Marcos launched sumbongsapangulo.ph, a website mapping flood control projects and allowing the public to report irregularities. The move follows his SONA directive to audit the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) flood mitigation program, one of the country’s largest budget items.
Initial findings show that out of PHP545 billion in spending since July 2022, about PHP109 billion went to 15 contractors, five of which operate nationwide—an unusual reach in the sector. Over 6,000 projects worth more than PHP350 billion also lacked details on the type of flood control structure, while some had identical prices despite being in different locations.
Marcos noted mismatches between hazard maps and project distribution, citing provinces with high project counts but lower flood risk rankings. He vowed to pursue accountability even if close associates are implicated, stressing, “Mas malapit sa puso natin ang taumbayan.”
