Mayors demand transparency in flood control projects amid corruption concerns

Over 40 mayors from the Mayors for Good Governance coalition have signed a petition urging the Department of Public Works and Highways and other government agencies to release all details on nationwide flood control projects.

Led by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Hataman, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, the group is demanding transparency amid persistent accusations of corruption in these projects.

"We, the undersigned Mayors for Good Governance, stand firmly with the Filipino people in demanding the truth, accountability, and justice behind the massive corruption allegations in flood control and other infrastructure projects, including the reported collusion between government officials and favored contractors," they wrote.

The mayors have expressed their support for President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s recent directive to investigate the P350 billion in flood control projects, saying that they "welcome this move and fully support the pursuit of justice."

They called for the immediate release of project documents, including the Programs of Work, Detailed Unit Price Analyses, Bill of
Quantities, and Feasibility Studies.

They also asked that the names of contractors behind the multi-billion-peso infrastructure projects funded by taxpayers be disclosed.

"Flood control projects have existed for decades, but over the past years, corruption in these projects has become more alarming, pervasive, and systematic. There is no justification for any secrecy or delay," they explained. "The Filipino people have waited long enough. Families have suffered unrelenting floods and landslides. Transparency is no longer optional, but a duty we owe to every Filipino.

The joint statement ended with the mayors' pledge on ending corruption, “Corruption must end now. The Filipino people deserve a government that protects and serves them, not the one that endangers their lives and robs them of their future.” 

This was after widespread anomalies were discovered about the substandard and overpriced infrastructures and flood control projects in the Philippines. These include “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan municipalities worth P5.97 billion and a reported collapsed flood dike in Naujan town. The project, worth P200 million, crumbled in less than a year. 

Last week, Marcos said that no one would be spared in the probe being led by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development.

Based on initial observations, about 20% of the P545.64-billion budget for flood control projects has been given to just 15 contractors since July 22, including St. Timothy and Gerald Construction, owned by the Discaya family.

Sarah Discaya, who ran for mayor of Pasig City in the last midterm elections, was a no-show at an Aug. 18 panel discussion where she was scheduled to speak about the controversial projects.