Marcos slams ‘palpak’ flood control projects, vows public disclosure

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, launched a scathing rebuke of the country’s flood control infrastructure, ordering a full audit of public works projects amid growing public frustration over corruption and disaster vulnerability.

The president condemned what he called rampant corruption in infrastructure projects, saying, “Wag na po tayong magkunwari—alam naman ng buong madla na nagkakaraket sa mga proyekto. Mga kickback, mga initiative, Irata, SOP, for the boys.”

In a rare and pointed address, Marcos shamed those responsible: “Mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino… lalo na sa mga anak natin na magmamana sa mga utang ng binulsang ninyong pera.”

To prevent future misuse of public funds, Marcos announced a three-step plan:

1. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will immediately submit a list of all flood control projects from every region that were started or completed in the last three years.

2. Regional Project Monitoring Committees will examine the list, identifying failed, incomplete, and alleged “ghost” projects.

3. The list will be made public to allow citizen participation in the investigation.

“There will be an audit and performance review regarding these projects to know how your money was spent,” he said.

“Makakasuhan ang lahat ng lalabas na may sala, pati na ang mga kasabwat na kontratista.”

The president also signaled a tougher stance on budget transparency, warning Congress that he would reject any proposed national budget not aligned with the government’s official spending plan.

“For the 2026 National Budget, I will return any proposed General Appropriations Bill that is not fully aligned with the National Expenditure Program… even if we end up with a reenacted budget,” he said.

Marcos emphasized that the Philippines must adopt a culture of “continuous improvement” in disaster response, as the country faces increasingly severe weather patterns under a changing climate.

As of July, four typhoons have already hit the country, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasting 12 more before year-end. 

Four volcanoes are also under abnormal activity, including Kanlaon in Negros.

He detailed the government’s use of modern technologies, such as Doppler radars, broadband seismic stations, and landslide sensor systems, along with mobile command centers, distributed to 11 local governments nationwide.

However, he stressed that technology and infrastructure are not enough without public cooperation.

“Hindi magtatagumpay ang anumang paghahanda natin kung wala ang tulong ninyo,” he said, urging Filipinos to participate in drills, follow warnings, and practice discipline in waste disposal and disaster preparedness.

Marcos concluded with a call to national unity: “Kailangan natin magsakripisyo upang masiguro na nailayo natin sa kapahamakan ang ating mamamayan. Mahalaga ang bawat buhay ng Pilipino.”