By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit a list of all flood control projects in the country that were started or completed in the first three years of his administration, stressing that this list will be available for public scrutiny.
This was declared by the President during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Batasang Pambansa on Monday, also instructing the Regional Project Monitoring Committee to examine the DPWH’s list and determine if there are “ghost projects.”
“Isasapubliko natin ang listahang ito. Kaya ang publiko na saksi sa mga proyektong ito ay malayang suriin ang listahan at magbahagi ng kanilang nalalaman para makatulong sa ating imbestigasyon,” he said.
The Chief Executive, citing his recent inspection in various areas in Luzon that were severely flooded due to heavy rains, likewise expressed his dismay over government officials and personnel who steal from the public coffers, such as the funds for flood control projects.
“Kitang-kita ko na maraming proyekto para sa flood control ay palpak at gumuho, at ‘yong iba, guni-guni lang. ‘Wag na po tayong magkunwari. Alam naman po ng madla na nagkaka-raket sa mga proyekto—mga “kickback, initiative, errata, S.O.P., for the boys,” Marcos said.
“Sa mga nakikipagsabwatan upang kunin ang pondo ng bayan at nakawin ang kinabukasan ng ating mga mamamayan, mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino; mahiya naman kayo sa mga kabahayang naanod o nalubog sa mga pagbaha; mahiya naman kayo lalo sa mga anak natin na magmamana sa mga utang na ginawa ninyo nang binulsa ninyo ‘yang pera [ng mga Pilipino].”
He also underscored that heads will roll regarding the corruption on flood control projects, warning that charges will be filed against everybody who is proven to be stealing public funds.
“Kailangan malaman ng taumbayan ang buong katotohanan. Kailangan may managot sa naging matinding pinsala at katiwalian.”
The President likewise assured that he will “return any proposed general appropriation bill that is not fully aligned with the National Expenditure Program.”
“Hindi ko aaprubahan ang kahit anong budget na hindi alinsunod sa plano ng gobyerno para sa sambayanang Pilipino.”
Following the severe weather caused by the southwest monsoon (habagat) and recent tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong, Marcos emphasized the importance of continuous readiness both in the government and the public.
On top of more intensified disaster response efforts, he also announced that the government will establish more evacuation centers across the country to prevent the use of schools as temporary shelters during emergencies.
“Dahil sunod-sunod ang mga sakuna, lalo na ang bagyo, mahalagang itanim ang prinsipyo ng continuous improvement, kung saan tayo ay natututo at palaging humuhusay sa bawat karanasan. Nareremdyuhan kung saan tayo nagkulang, at saan natin dapat galingan pa.”
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