'Sumbong sa Pangulo' website gets over 1,000 flood reports in days
The new "Sumbong sa Pangulo" website has received 1,148 reports and 823 feedback submissions in just three days, according to the Palace.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro also noted that the site, which lets citizens check and report on flood control projects, had over 84,000 total views from Aug. 11 to 13
She said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. wants to ensure that flood control projects are finished, not just on paper.
"The President said the campaign against the contractors behind such flood control projects has just started. According to President Marcos, Jr., someone should be held to account for these kinds of negligence, corruption and swindling and they should be held to account before the law," the Palace press officer said at a press briefing yesterday.
"It is disappointing and puzzling why these projects went to negligent contractors," she added.
Need for public support
Marcos, on Wednesday, saw firsthand the delayed flood control projects in Iloilo.
He found that the Aganan Flyover in Pavia town, whose construction started in 2019, is still unfinished. Earlier reports revealed that the project was plagued by design and foundation problems, the PCO said.
The same contractor for this project, IBC International Builders Corporation, also built the Ungka Flyover in Iloilo City, which was temporarily closed due to structural issues.
"During my visit in Iloilo, we saw the delayed and substandard flood control projects that aggravated flooding. I ordered the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) to hold to account and to blacklist the sloppy contractors," Marcos said in a Facebook post.
"To our countrymen, you are part of the fight against corruption and flooding. Report anomalies to sumbongsapangulo.ph. Let us work together towards a safer new Philippines," he said.
No one is spared in the probe
Earlier this 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. The report also found over 6,000 projects that lacked specific details about the type of construction work involved.
It was also found that many projects in different areas had the exact contract amount. Additionally, there appears to be a disconnect between the areas with the most flood control projects and the areas that are most prone to flooding.
Meanwhile, Castro rejected the suggestion from Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to appoint a new leader for the probe, stating that the investigation is already in place.
She reiterated her call for the mayor to share the details he has on alleged public works corruption directly with the President so that cases can be filed.
Magalong previously claimed that at least 67 lawmakers are using contractors as "fronts" for flood control projects. Politicians are also using their spouses, children, or other relatives as contractors to get a share of the deals, he alleged.
To learn how to report on the "Sumbong sa Pangulo" website, read this article. (with reports from Alexis Romero)
