Flood control projects ‘for sale’ scheme bared

MANILA, Philippines —   Some contractors with close ties to corrupt local government officials were able to secure flood control projects without public bidding.

This was according to Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua who is also the president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines.

In an interview yesterday over dzBB, Cua cited as an example a mayor in one of the towns in his province who requested flood control projects worth hundreds of millions of pesos, even if other more urgent infrastructure projects are required in the town.

Cua said the mayor, whom he did not identify, asked barangay officials to sign requests for flood control projects on the day of President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address last July 28.

The highlight of Marcos’ SONA was his announcement of an investigation on anomalous flood control projects in the country.

“It came to my attention that of all the things that town needed, priority was given to requests for millions of pesos for flood control projects,” Cua said in Filipino.

It turned out it was a contractor with close ties to the mayor who was able to secure flood control projects from the government.

“Based on reports that were spreading, a contractor close to the mayor already bought those projects,” he added.

“Why is it being reported that it was a contractor that was buying the project – whether from the Department of Public Works and Highways or the Department of Budget and Management or from whoever? Why is it they’re the ones who identify and bring in the projects?” The governor said this only showed that the contractors had already secured the projects even without public bidding.

Cua said what the town needs more is a hospital, farm-to-market roads and classrooms for students.

He also said he and fellow governors fully support Marcos’ order for a lifestyle check on all government officials starting with the DPWH.

“We really need to find out who are committing abuses and who are really serving the people,” he said.

Mayors for good governance

Meanwhile, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte announced yesterday that over 70 mayors have signed the “Mayors for Good Governance” amid the controversy over substandard and ghost flood control projects.

“You may have heard of us recently on the news or in social media when we released our demand for full transparency, accountability, and justice for flood control projects. As of today, over 70 mayors have already signed, and countless are signing up to become part of our organization and we are hoping that more will be encouraged to join us,” Belmonte said in her speech during the launch of the Klaus Hoffarth Center for Critical Thinking (KHC) in Miriam College in Quezon City.

Aside from Belmonte, the other convenors of the Mayors For Good Governance were Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and Isabela City, Basilan Mayor Sitti Hataman.

“I wanted to say that many of these mayors who have signed up just in the last few days signed up because they were feeling the pressure from their constituents and they were being asked, why are you not a member of the Mayors for Good Governance? That’s why so many of them are joining us. So I told Mayor Magalong, I think we should have a screening process,” Belmonte added.

The Mayors For Good Governance is  open to duly elected, incumbent mayors who uphold the principles of good governance and are committed to fighting corruption at all levels.

“Because maybe those who are joining are just joining because they are famous for being good governance advocates now but maybe it’s not really in their hearts to be committed to a good government and to a just government. Our group is more than just a reaction to national issues. Our stand is part of our broader mission as champions of integrity, innovation, and people-centered service,” Belmonte added.

“Through our example, we declare that there is a different kind of leadership, one that is open, collaborative, and evidence-based. Connected by similar concerns despite varying circumstances, we are creating a network where best practices are shared and a playbook for effective, replicable governance nationwide is implemented,” she said.

“Through this movement, we want to earn the trust of the Filipino people and hopefully inspire them to take a more active role in our collective value,” she added.

141 Quezon City  projects being reviewed

Belmonte said at least 141 flood control projects in Quezon City reported through the “Sumbong Sa Pangulo” website are now being reviewed. She said many of the projects were implemented without consultation with the city government.

“I am happy that the Klaus Hoffarth Center for Critical Thinking shares this exact commitment to our people, focusing its efforts on encouraging our youth to become sharp thinkers and engaged citizens. This is a wonderful gift to give to the nation, especially when polarizing rhetoric shakes our values in a world flooded with information. I am genuinely excited for all the good work the center will do,” she added.

In Baguio City, Magalong said there is no doubt about President Marcos’ “clear determination” to eliminate corruption before he steps down from office.

“I see the President’s sincerity in wanting to address corruption, and that’s something we need in leadership,” Magalong said.

“The President’s resolve is something that cannot be ignored. It’s not just about words but actions, and that’s something we’re seeing with the steps being taken,” he said.

Magalong praised the Marcos administration’s initiatives to fight corruption, including increased focus on government accountability and the prosecution of officials involved in graft. “These are steps in the right direction, and I believe the President will continue to prioritize this issue,” he said.

“We need to see real results, and that means not just investigating but convicting those guilty of corruption,” Magalong added.

“It’s never easy to uproot corruption, but I believe we are on the right path,” he explained.

“What’s important is that we remain consistent. The public needs to see real outcomes, not just promises.”  - Bella Cariaso, Artemio Dumlao