Revelations about the allocation of flood control funds in the Philippines amuse and bewilder everyone, particularly President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The numbers are staggering: nearly one-fifth of the P545-billion funding for flood control projects since the start of the Marcos administration had gone to just 15 contractors.
Who truly benefits from taxpayer funding for flood control projects that fail to perform during severe typhoons? Are we getting the quality infrastructure our communities desperately need? Why are there fewer projects in provinces that are frequently affected by typhoons compared to those that are not?
Bulacan was the province with the most projects with 668, followed by Cebu (414), Isabela (341), Pangasinan (313), Pampanga (292), Albay (273), Leyte (262), Tarlac (258), Camarines Sur (25,2), and Ilocos Norte (224).
On the other hand, the top 10 flood-prone provinces are Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Oriental Mindoro and Ilocos Norte.
The President’s decision to investigate these projects is admirable, showing the urgent need for transparency and accountability in government contracts.
The identification of 6,021 projects worth over P350 billion raises concerns about mismanagement and potential corruption due to the absence of precise specifications. Without transparency, taxpayers are left uncertain about how their money is being spent and whether it is being used effectively.
There was a disproportionate amount of funding allocated to a select group of contractors. It is also troubling to note that identical cost figures appeared across multiple projects in different regions.
The discrepancy suggests a lack of genuine competition and raises suspicions about the integrity of the bidding process. When projects that are meant to address diverse local needs end up costing the same, it signals a troubling pattern that demands deeper scrutiny.
As citizens, we should not only demand a rigorous examination of how flood control funds are being utilized. We should participate in the decision-making process by giving our input. The government’s response to these findings must not be limited to gathering information; it should lead to decisive action.
Accountability should extend to both contractors and government officials who oversee these projects. The processes and decision-making frameworks that led to these disparities must be revisited to prevent a recurrence in the future.
The newly launched sumbongsapangulo.ph website, an online portal containing detailed information about the projects, offers Filipinos an opportunity to find the projects in their localities and provide feedback. The people’s participation can provide reform in public infrastructure spending.
The aim should be to create a more resilient nation that learns from past errors, acts with integrity, and prioritizes the welfare of its citizens, particularly those most in need.
We must hold our leaders accountable and work together to create a future where infrastructure projects fulfill their purpose: safeguarding communities and enhancing resilience against disasters.
Share your thoughts on the President’s flood control projects. Let him know that you, too, are angry at corrupt contractors who are in cahoots with politicians. Expressing anger reveals our true feelings, and as emotions slow, wisdom emerges. Don’t be surprised to find that corruption is present in every project.