By Jet D. Antolin
PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and former president Rodrigo Duterte aren’t off the hook yet for the failed flood control projects that have cost over a trillion pesos since 2019.
This was emphasized by former Bayan Muna party-list representative. Neri Colmenares following the destructive floods caused by Typhoon Enteng, severely affecting Metro Manila, Antipolo Rizal, and neighboring provinces.
“Filipinos demand accountability from the Marcos Jr. government as well as immediate predecessors for the failed flood control programs that have left communities devastated by floods, like the one we are experiencing now with Typhoon Enteng,” said Colmenares.
“We feel frustrated – outraged – that rampant corruption has siphoned off funds meant for critical infrastructure, turning what should have been a life-saving initiative into a massive tragic failure,” added the former lawmaker.
Based on video footage, the entire Metro Manila was submerged in floods, along with many areas in Cavite, severely affecting Antipolo in Rizal, resulting in many casualties.
This problem persists despite the government spending of P1.2 trillion from 2019 to 2024, prompting calls to hold Marcos and Duterte accountable, along with government officials who implemented the said project, including the contractors hired.
“Entire communities are submerged under water, homes are destroyed, livelihoods are lost, and lives are endangered: all because of the Marcos Jr. government’s negligence and misuse of public funds. The floods we are witnessing today are not just a result of natural calamities but of man-made corruption that has eroded the very systems meant to protect us,” according to Colmenares.
During Marcos’ previous State of the Nation Address (SONA), he boasted about allegedly completing 5,500 control projects to protect people and properties from floods during rainy seasons.
However, two days after his SONA on July 22, Typhoon Carina struck, submerging Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, and on Monday, September 2, it was proven that the flood control projects touted by the President were ineffective, further strengthening the evidence that many of these projects were not implemented but instead the funds were pocketed.
“Investigations have revealed that funds intended for these projects were instead pocketed by corrupt officials, leaving our cities and towns defenseless against flash floods and dam overflows,” said Colmenares.
