MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 29, promised to hold accountable government officials and private contractors behind alleged corruption in the country’s flood control programs, as he denounced substandard and ghost projects that have worsened the plight of ordinary Filipinos.
“Mahiya naman kayo sa kapwa Pilipino ninyo,” Marcos said during his State of the Nation Address (SONA). “Mahiya kayo sa mga kabahayan nating naanod o nalubog sa baha. Mahiya lalo sa mga anak natin na magmamana ng utang na ginawa ninyo habang binulsa niyo ang pera.”
Marcos announced a three-step plan to root out corruption and negligence in the implementation of flood mitigation infrastructure:
First, he ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit a comprehensive list of all flood control projects—either started or completed—in every region over the past three years.
Second, he said Regional Project Monitoring Committees will review the list and identify failed, unfinished, or “ghost” projects.
Third, the list will be published and made accessible to the public to promote transparency and citizen oversight.
“This is no longer just mismanagement—it is betrayal,” Marcos said, blasting the “kickback culture” that he said has turned essential infrastructure into profit-making schemes for a few.
The President vowed that charges would be filed against any public official or private contractor found to be involved in fraudulent or substandard projects.
“Hindi pwedeng palampasin. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa baha. Ito ay tungkol sa dangal, sa pera ng bayan, at sa kinabukasan ng mga anak natin,” he said.
The anti-corruption drive marks one of the strongest statements in Marcos’ address, as flooding continues to plague many communities across the country due to inadequate or ineffective infrastructure.
Marcos said this investigation would be the start of wider reforms to ensure public funds are spent wisely and that climate-resilient infrastructure is truly delivered to the people.