President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. challenged all government officials and contractors in the Philippines to take accountability and ensure transparency in all flood control projects within their communities.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President said that, based on his observations amid the recent heavy rains brought by the habagat and several typhoons, many flood control projects were either incomplete—or worse—completely nonexistent.
“Kitang kita ko ang maraming proyekto para sa flood control ay palpak at gumuho at yung iba guni-guni lang.” the President said in his statement.
He further addressed officials and contractors who exploit these projects as side jobs or “raket.”
“Huwag na po tayong mag kunwari alam naman ng buong madla na nagkaka raket sa mga proyekto.Mga kick back, mga initiative, irata, SOP, for the boys.” he said
PBBM reminded officials and contractors about the gravity of this misconduct, saying, “Kaya sa mga nakikipag-sabwatan 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 kabayan nating naanod o nalubog doon 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,” he added.
As a solution, President Marcos urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to investigate and assess all completed and unfinished flood control projects.
He recommended that the findings be made public so that citizens can review and evaluate the projects intended for their communities.
“Sa mga susunod na buwan makakasuhan ang lahat ng mga lalabas na may sala mula sa imbestigasyon pati mga kasabwat na kontratista sa buong bansa,“ the President assured.
