MANILA, Philippines – In a fiery moment during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. unleashed a stinging rebuke against officials and contractors involved in anomalous flood control projects, calling out the misuse of public funds that has left countless Filipinos drowning in both floodwaters and debt.
“Mahiya naman kayo sa kapwa Pilipino ninyo. Mahiya naman kayo sa mga kababayan nating naanod o nalubog sa mga pagbaha,” Marcos declared, his voice rising in frustration. “Mahiya naman kayo lalo sa mga anak natin na magmamana sa mga utang na ginawa ninyo—binulsa niyo lang ang pera.”
The President ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately submit a comprehensive list of all flood control projects—both started and completed—from the past three years across every region of the country.
“So that this will not happen again,” he said, “we must first know what was done, where the money went, and who profited.”
Marcos did not mince words as he hinted at a major investigation targeting “ghost projects,” overpriced contracts, poor design, and alleged kickbacks, which he linked to years of flooding disasters that continue to displace thousands of Filipino families.
“For too long, these flood control projects have been treated as milking cows—a source of kickbacks, commissions, and deals ‘for the boys,’” the President said. “That ends now.”
He said erring officials and contractors will face consequences, as the government forms a multi-agency task force to audit all flood-related infrastructure. The Department of Justice and Office of the Ombudsman will be tapped to investigate and file charges where warranted.
The tough-talking segment stood out in a SONA largely focused on infrastructure development, climate resilience, and good governance. Marcos positioned the probe as a moral and fiscal imperative—one that goes beyond accountability and toward regaining public trust.
“This is not just about floods,” he added. “This is about decency in governance, about ensuring that taxpayers’ money is used to protect lives—not line pockets.”