Governor Daniel Fernando of Bulacan expressed outrage after learning that more than 600 flood control projects worth ₱6.5 billion in the province were reportedly completed on paper but remain unfinished or substandard in reality.
In an interview on DZRH Stories: Pinoy Documentaries on Sunday, Fernando said he was shocked when President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. disclosed last week that Bulacan had the highest number of flood control projects nationwide. The governor revealed that neither he nor the mayors in the province had been informed about these projects, which were implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Walang naganap na complete project. Parang naging ghost yun nangyari. Parang naging ghost. Kasi as a mission, not completed. Parang ganun. It's substandard. Yun nangyari,” said Fernando.
He added that while contractors submitted completion reports to Malacañang, actual site inspections revealed otherwise — dredging and desilting works had not been carried out despite being included in the contracts.
Legal Action and Blacklisting
The governor said he has instructed the Provincial Administrator, Legal Office, and Engineering Office to conduct inspections, gather evidence, and prepare legal action against the contractors involved. He announced plans to issue an executive order that would blacklist contractors proven liable for the defective projects.
“Didemandan natin yung mga responsible dyan. Didemandan natin yung mga kontrakto na yan. At syempre, whoever responsible to this, kinakailangan managot talaga. Kinakailangan managot sila,“ Fernando stressed, adding that contractors may also be barred from handling future projects in Bulacan.
Fernando also urged President Marcos to personally lead the investigation instead of relying solely on DPWH officials, saying the President had already been misled once by false completion reports.
Local Government Not Informed
The governor clarified that the provincial government had no involvement in the projects, emphasizing that these were implemented by the DPWH without coordination with local authorities. He noted that the provincial budget is limited to around ₱7 billion annually, covering basic services and smaller infrastructure like barangay roads and schools.
“Pag nagkaroon ng problema, saan? Kanino sisihin? Ang sisihin ng governor, ang sisihin ng mayor. Pero sa totoo lang, wala po sa amin. Wala po sa amin.” Fernando explained.
Impact on Residents
Fernando expressed dismay over the impact of the issue on Bulakenyos, whom he said continue to suffer yearly flooding despite the billions supposedly spent on flood control. He described how families repeatedly lose appliances and belongings to floods, keeping them trapped in poverty.
“Kawawa yung mga kababayan natin. Yung mga bahay, nagtambak yung mga gamit sa labas. Nasira na. Ang dumi-dumi.” Fernando said.
The governor vowed to pursue accountability and ensure transparency in future projects, and said he would closely monitor the investigation of the issue in their communities.
