THE House of Representatives is launching a full, transparent, and impartial investigation into alleged corruption, waste, and substandard performance in the government’s flood control program—declaring that no official, agency, or contractor will be spared if found accountable.
This move directly responds to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s strong directive that “even a whiff of corruption or abuse of power must not be ignored.”
“Kapag buhay ng tao ang nakataya, bawal ang palusot. Bawal ang palakasan,” said Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega. “Every peso we lose to corruption is a life left at risk when floods hit. This investigation is not about politics—it’s about justice.”
Joint House Probe Underway
Through House Resolution No. 145, three House committees—Public Accounts, Public Works and Highways, and Good Government and Public Accountability—are now jointly investigating the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its contractors over billions of pesos in flood control projects, some of which have been flagged as either non-existent, defective, or grossly overpriced.
Initial reports show over ₱500 billion was allocated since 2022, yet communities in Metro Manila and across the country remain submerged after every heavy rain. In Malabon and Navotas, a floodgate damaged in 2024 still remains unrepaired to this day—despite being listed as “completed.”
“Pumapasok ang tubig sa bahay pero ‘di makita ang proyektong pinondohan. Saan napunta ang pondo?” asked Ortega. “We owe the public clear answers.”
“No Witch Hunt, No Whitewash”
Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun emphasized that the probe will follow evidence and due process, but assured the public it will not be toothless.
“Hindi ito witch hunt. Pero hindi rin ito palabas,” said Khonghun. “Those who were entrusted with the people’s money—whether in government or the private sector—must explain. And if wrongdoing is proven, they must face consequences.”
“’Wag nating hayaang malunod sa baha ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa gobyerno. Kailangang may managot,” he added.
Rooting Out Corruption, Rebuilding Trust
The investigation will also lay the foundation for legislative reforms to prevent future misuse of infrastructure funds. Lawmakers are eyeing proposals that include enhanced procurement safeguards, better project tracking systems, and real-time transparency tools.
“Hindi sapat na magalit tayo tuwing bumabaha. Kailangan nating baguhin ang sistema para hindi na ito maulit,” Ortega stressed. “This is not just about punishing the guilty—it’s about protecting the innocent.”
Lawmakers said the probe must restore public trust and reaffirm that in a Bagong Pilipinas, accountability is non-negotiable.
“Walang sagrado. Walang untouchable. Kapag may sablay, dapat may panagot,” Khonghun declared.
The House emphasized that the Filipino people deserve not just infrastructure on paper—but real, functioning flood control systems that protect lives, livelihoods, and dignity.
“Hindi ‘yan pondo ng kung sino-sino. Pondo ‘yan ng mamamayan. At bawat sentimo dapat may pakinabang,” Ortega concluded.
