PBBM hints at lawmakers’ links to flood control project contracts

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed on Monday that an initial review found that P100-billion worth of 20 percent of all flood control projects in the past three years were undertaken by 15 contractors. PCO
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed on Monday that an initial review found that P100-billion worth of 20 percent of all flood control projects in the past three years were undertaken by 15 contractors. PCO

MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has hinted that some of the country’s biggest flood control contractors — possibly linked to sitting lawmakers — may be involved in questionable projects, urging investigative journalists to dig into the issue.

“Wala na ba talaga tayong investigative journalists dito sa Pilipinas? Trabaho n’yo ‘yan. Look it up, we are going to look at it also,” Marcos told reporters in Malacañang on Monday.

“But it’s very… it will be premature for me to name names until we really know what’s going on. But go out there, tignan niyo, talk to the people, we need to hear from the people,” he added.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) data show several construction firms have numerous flood control projects nationwide, with some operating in almost all regions of the country. Among them are Legacy Construction Corporation, Alpha & Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corp., St. Timothy Construction Corporation, EGB Construction Corporation, and Road Edge Trading & Development Services.

Marcos said he would not make accusations without solid proof, noting that his administration will rely on public reports to verify concerns about these projects.

“I need to hear from other people because anong makukuha kong report? Makukuha kong report sa kung sino man, eh maganda lahat. So I need to hear from people first, and then if there is really something na kailangan sasabihin, talaga ito consistent, ang dami nilang… kinse ‘yung projects nila puro palpak, delikado na ‘yan titingnan na namin,” he explained.

He stressed the need for fairness in the probe. “Let’s also be fair to everyone… ito si ganito, ito si ganyan, tanggal ‘yan sa trabaho, unless we have a good idea of what went wrong. Let’s be circumspect about pointing fingers and shouting at people, tingnan natin nang mabuti,” he said.

The President directed the DPWH to publish a list of all flood control projects from the past three years for public and media scrutiny but clarified the agency will not audit them. He also warned that contractors proven guilty of corruption will be blacklisted from future government projects.

“If there is evidence of corruption or any kind of wrongdoing, that’s when we will move,” Marcos said./PN

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here