He revealed this after his pronouncements during his recent address to the nation.
On Monday, August 11, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed the initial review from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during a press conference at the Kalayaan Hall in Malacañan Palace.
The chief executive noted that in the past three years of his administration, a total of PHP 545 billion in public funds went to flood control projects nationwide.
Of which, PHP 100 billion worth or one-fifth of all flood control projects were undertaken by only 15 contractors.
“I don’t know about you, but that is a very big number. By any measure, that is an enormous number,” the President said in a press conference in Malacañang.
The DPWH identified a total of 2,409 contractors for both local and national flood control projects.
“However, this is another disturbing assessment, statistic: 20 percent of the entire 545 billion budget napunta lang sa 15 na contractors. Sa 15 na contractor na ‘yan, lima sa kanila ay may kontrata sa buong Pilipinas,” said Marcos Jr.
President Marcos has since ordered the ongoing audit to investigate further on how did the 20 percent of flood control projects nationwide went to only 15 contractors.
“That for me was the one that stood out very much. Five of these contractors had projects in almost the entire country. So those are the ones that immediately pop out na sa aking palagay ay kailangan natin tingnan.”
The President encouraged the public to provide information, as he emphasized that the DPWH has only provided initial findings on the review of flood control projects so far.
“We are not accusing anyone of anything yet. However, it gives us an idea of what, how this has been conducted. So, I hope the people will take advantage of this. And as I said, there is always a way for them to give their comments,” underscored Marcos.
In line with this, the administration also launched the “Sumbong Sa Pangulo” website, which aims to allow the public to report any irregularities in the flood control projects in their areas.
During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) lasg July 28, the President Marcos ordered an audit of flood control projects under his administration.
He also denounced the corruption that caused people to suffer from recurring flash floods during heavy rains, which was highlighted in his one-liner: “Mahiya naman kayo.“
The ongoing review involves multiple agencies, including the Department of Development (DEPDev), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Office of the President.