President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. lashed out at the misuse of public funds and negligence in government infrastructure projects after personally inspecting substandard and incomplete flood control structures in this flood-prone town.

During his visit to Barangays Bulusan and Frances in Calumpit, the President uncovered what he described as alarming irregularities in projects reported as “completed” that were either poorly built or never constructed at all.

“Hindi puwedeng ganito. Pambihira. (This can’t go on. Unbelievable). This has been going on for years,” Marcos said in frustration, questioning how a project supposedly completed in 2021 was still non-functional and visibly defective.

The inspection revealed flood protection barriers with cement layers significantly below standard specifications, with some less than the required eight inches thick.

“Hawakan mo 'yung semento dito, kayang durugin. Malabnaw 'yung ginamit. Nagtipid sa semento (Touch the cement here, it can be crushed. They used a weak mix. They skimped on cement)” the President remarked, visibly angered by what he called “shortcuts that endanger lives.”

Calumpit was placed under a state of calamity in July due to heavy flooding caused by southwest monsoon rains, the overflow of Ipo Dam, and high tides. 

Residents in low-lying areas have been repeatedly displaced, prompting renewed calls for urgent flood mitigation efforts.

Marcos also pointed out that contracted dredging works were not performed, with rivers choked by thick vegetation — a clear sign, he said, that no substantial work had been carried out despite the allocated budget.

“Managot sila. Huwag silang managot sa akin, managot sila dito sa mga tao dito. ‘Yung mga kahirapan na dinala nila sa mga buhay nila (They must be held accountable. Not to me, but to the people here. For the hardship they’ve brought into their lives)” the President said, vowing to hold accountable both government officials and private contractors involved.

He encouraged residents to report anomalies via the government’s official complaint platform, sumbongsapangulo.ph, as well as through local government channels and media.

“Mag-report kayo. Paulit-ulit n’yo i-report para alam naming lahat (Report it. Keep reporting it again and again so all of us will know),” he urged, reinforcing his call for public participation in ensuring transparency.

Marcos emphasized that infrastructure reports under his administration must accurately reflect real on-the-ground conditions.

“Sa report, completed lahat. Pero pagdating dito, wala. Hindi puwede ‘yan (On the report, everything is marked as completed. But when you come here, there’s nothing. That’s not acceptable),” he said.

The President’s unannounced inspection has triggered a broader review of similar flood control and river management projects across the country. 

Malacañang has signaled that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and other agencies will be subjected to performance audits to ensure accountability and proper use of public funds.