The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assured on Tuesday that it will comply with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s marching order to hold accountable those behind the failed multibillion-peso flood control program.

In a radio interview, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said they welcome Marcos' instruction to submit the list of all flood control projects undertaken since he assumed office.

“We will submit the lists as instructed by the President. We will segregate it per legislative district; also per status, whether it is currently broken or currently in use,” Bonoan said.

“Also, according to the President, we will publish the list for the public, so they can see whether the projects have been effective or useful,” he added.

‘We did not inherit a bed of roses’

In a separate televised interview, Bonoan admitted that when he assumed the role of DPWH chief, he realized the need to address flood control in the country is dire.

“We did not inherit a bed of roses. Over time, more and more needs to be done for flood control projects,” he said.

Bonoan also said that one challenge faced by the Department is heavily silted rivers, which contribute significantly to the flooding problem.

He pointed out that while some flood control projects are properly engineered, budgets for project preparation are “cut down to the barest minimum,” but they still “did the best with it.”

“Some were hastily prepared. We have to see that the projects are worthwhile and there’s no corruption,” he added.

In his over hour-long State of the Nation Address on Monday, 28 July, Marcos directed regional project monitoring bodies to examine the DPWH list and highlight the projects that were failures, unfinished, and “ghost” projects.

Marcos also said an audit and performance review will be conducted to ensure that funds were used properly.