President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a sweeping investigation into flood control projects across the country, condemning alleged corruption after recent monsoon rains and typhoons triggered widespread flooding that affected over 6 million Filipinos.
Speaking during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos criticized the failure of multiple infrastructure projects meant to prevent such disasters.
“Kitang-kita ko na maraming proyekto para sa flood control ay palpak at gumuho. Yung iba ay guni-guni lang,” he said. He then delivered a strong rebuke to those allegedly profiting off government funds. “Mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino… lalo sa mga anak nating magmamana sa mga utang na ginawa n’yo.”
Marcos directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit a full inventory of flood control initiatives launched or completed within the past three years. This list will be reviewed by regional monitoring committees to identify incomplete, failed, or “ghost” projects. The findings, he added, will be made public for transparency and feedback.
The President vowed accountability: “Makakasuhan ang mga lalabas na may sala sa imbestigasyon pati na ang mga kasabwat na kontratista sa buong bansa.”
The call for an audit comes after the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that over 6.2 million individuals were affected by the recent heavy rains, with at least 31 fatalities across multiple regions, including Metro Manila, Western Visayas, and CALABARZON.
Prior to his SONA, Marcos already emphasized the urgency of climate adaptation. “This is not an extraordinary situation anymore… This will be our lives,” he said in a cabinet briefing, stressing that the country must embrace long-term planning to face climate-related challenges.
San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, who chairs the Metro Manila Council, also pointed to the capital region’s “antiquated drainage system” as a major cause of the flooding.
