IT’S about time someone spoke out. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. didn’t hold back during his recent State of the Nation Address when he called out the corruption surrounding the country’s flood control projects.
His words hit hard, and for the DPWH District Engineer in Navotas and Malabon, it seems like there’s a lot to explain.
Marcos used his speech to expose the widespread corruption that has been undermining flood control efforts, leaving communities, particularly in flood-prone areas like Navotas and Malabon, at risk.
These areas have been severely affected by flooding, even without heavy rain or storms. The root of the problem? Failed or non-existent flood control projects that were either poorly executed or mismanaged for personal gain.
One of the main issues raised by the President was the misallocation of public funds meant for flood control.
He pointed out that some projects were simply “ghost projects,” while others were plagued by kickbacks, backdoor deals, and delays.
In particular, the navigational gate in Navotas and Malabon has been broken for over a year, leaving the area vulnerable to high tides and flooding.
Despite clear evidence of the problem, no significant action has been taken.
Marcos, visibly frustrated, ordered an immediate audit of all flood control projects, including those in Navotas and Malabon.
He instructed the DPWH to submit a list of all relevant initiatives from the past three years. It’s now up to the District Engineer in these areas to answer tough questions about why the projects haven’t been completed and whether funds were misused.
The President made it clear: the era of corruption and impunity is over. With billions of pesos vetoed from the 2025 budget for ineffective flood control projects, Marcos has shown he means business.
It’s time for those in charge, especially the DPWH engineers, to take responsibility and explain why the people have been left to suffer. Enough is enough.
