The Citizens Crime Watch (CCW) has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to assign the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to implement the remaining flood control projects in 2025, citing alleged widespread corruption in infrastructure programs.

In an interview on DZRH’s Isyung Pambayan, CCW President Diego Magpantay said the organization has long been monitoring irregularities through its Bantay Public Works task force, which scrutinizes projects not only under the DPWH but also those handled by other agencies.

“Meron po kaming kasabihan na ‘in every government project is a crime.’ Alam niyo po, mula budgeting pa lang, ang mga pinapabudgetan nilang mga proyekto, may apelyido na yan. Hanggang sa procurement process at ito pong project implementation. So, ang pinaka-controversial po dito, ito pong flood control projects, ito pong pinaka-worst crime of all,” Magpantay said.

He noted that despite rising national debt and growing budgets for flood control programs, many communities continue to suffer from worsening flooding—both literally and economically.

“Para isa na lang po ang ituturo natin, isa na lang po ang sisisihin natin. At itong mga politiko huwag na po makialam sa implementasyon. Tama na po yung kanilang papel na sila mag-budget na lang,” Magpantay said.

Magpantay also claimed that political interference remains at the core of the problem, adding that anomalies thrive because of kickbacks and contractor arrangements.

“Kung titignan po natin ang record o ang datos sa DPWH, napakarami pong non-career service eligible ang nakapwesto," he said.

According to Magpantay, lawmakers are often at the center of these questionable deals.

“Kaya halos yung mga politiko, sabihin na po natin, ang pinaka-utak po sa lahat ng anomalya nito, yung mga congressmen natin na sangkot po sa mga kontrata,” he said.