1Tahanan Party-list Rep. Nat Oducado is urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to create an independent commission under the Office of the President to conduct a comprehensive review and planning process for the country’s flood management program, citing underutilized budgets and alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH Dos Por Dos, Oducado said that while congressional and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) investigations are valid, they may not be sufficient to address the broader and long-term issues in flood control.
“Dapat ang investigation comprehensive and at the same time independent. Ang iniisip ko nga na i-propose is dapat mayroong independent commission na gagawin through the Office of the President na dapat mag-imbestiga and at the same time magplano kung anong next step sa ating flood management program,” Oducado said.
He noted that Congress’s oversight function often focuses on post-implementation concerns, leaving critical planning and policy gaps unaddressed. Oducado cited the discovery of underutilization in the 2021–2022 flood control budget, with some ₱2 trillion allotted for such projects but not fully spent.
“Hindi lang isyu infrastructure titignan mo rin ‘yung other aspect,” he said.
“Like for instance, ang flood natin ngayon nag-cause ng leptospirosis… may problem doon sa treatment ng wastewater. It requires an independent commission coming from the Office of the President," Oducado added.
Oducado proposed that the commission be composed of experts and former officials with proven track records, such as former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, Commission on Audit veterans, and reputable urban planners like architect Felino Palafox.
“Dapat hindi lang members of the parties involved. Maglagay ka ng mga taong alam ang mga problema… make sure na ‘yung mga taong nasa baba ay alam na naririnig ‘yung mga hinaing nila,” he said.
When asked if the President could stop Congress from conducting its own investigation, Oducado emphasized respect for the legislative branch but stressed the public’s right to know the truth.
“Ako, I think the Filipino people has the right… may karapatan sila malaman ang katotohanan,” he said. “Ang naiisip ko na commission is not just an investigation but overall planning — saan ba nagkulang, ano ba ang kailangan gawin, ano ba ang epekto nito,” he noted.
He added that the President could establish such a body through an executive order, citing historical precedents like the Agrava Commission.
“Yes, pwede. Kasama po siya sa power of supervision and control ng ating mahal na presidente,” he said, noting that the commission should also be granted subpoena powers.
Oducado plans to formalize his proposal in a privilege speech before Congress, expressing hope that both his colleagues and the President will heed his call.
This came after President Marcos revealed on August 11 that there are unnamed individuals allegedly involved in anomalies in flood control projects.
Alongside this, the government launched the “Sumbong Sa Pangulo” website, which aims to publicize all flood control projects and allow the public to report or provide feedback on government-funded infrastructure projects in their respective areas.
