PAMPANGA, Philippines – Residents of Barangay Candating in Arayat are calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to follow through on his anti-corruption promise, demanding accountability over the collapse of a newly built flood control structure that failed just months after completion.
The structure, meant to protect homes from the frequent overflow of the Pampanga River, gave way during heavy rains on August 17-18, 2024, endangering hundreds of residents. Locals say the collapse was no accident—it was the result of substandard construction and possible collusion between the contractor, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and local officials.
“Maniniwala lang kami sa sinabi ni Pangulo Bongbong Marcos kung meron mananagot dito sa proyektong ito, dahil naniniwala kami na meron kutsabahan dito ang kontraktor, DPWH at opisyal ng gobyerno,” said Mang Kulas, a resident whose home lies near the failed section of the structure.
He alleged that incomplete or defective sheet piles were used in the project: “Iyon pong nilagay nilang sheet ay putol, hindi buo. Kaya bumigay po. Ayaw nila bunutin dahil ayaw nilang ipakita ang mga ito.”
On Tuesday, July 29, Pampanga Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda visited the erosion site and delivered relief goods to 387 families affected by the failure of the flood control system. Arayat Mayor Jeffrey Luriz joined the relief effort and vowed to push for engineering assessments and further coordination with national agencies.
The collapse has revived concerns over the integrity of infrastructure projects in flood-prone Pampanga, a province that has consistently suffered from typhoon-induced flooding despite years of heavy spending. Residents say the project in Candating, like many others, has become a symbol of waste, neglect, and impunity.
President Marcos, in his Fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday, ordered the DPWH to submit a full list of flood control projects for auditing and warned that erring officials and contractors will be held accountable. But in Candating, residents now want proof.
“Parang wala kaming proteksyon. Ilang beses na kaming binaha,” said another resident, as the community braces for more rains in the coming weeks.
Locals are urging Malacañang to personally investigate the Candating flood control project—and ensure that this time, someone is truly held responsible.