Senate to probe flood control projects

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Senate Blue Ribbon committee vowed to go after officials linked to corruption in flood control projects, with the first inquiry set for Tuesday, Aug. 19.

Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who will lead the inquiry, said the investigation will deal with contractors and public officials “who shamelessly profit from flood control.”

He said officials have been taking cuts from contractors, leading to substandard projects.

“Kaya nga yung quality, ‘yung integrity, ng ginawang project ay talagang nasasakripisyo,” Marcoleta said.

“Sabihin n’yo kung magkano binibigay n'yo sa mga taong gobyerno para hindi kayo ang madidikdik diyan,” he told contractors.

[Translation: That's why the quality, the integrity, of the project being done is really being compromised…Tell us how much you’re giving to government officials so that you won’t be the one who gets pinned down for that.]

During the State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called out corrupt officials who pocket funds for flood control projects.

On Aug. 11, Marcos disclosed that 15 contractors bagged ₱100 billion in flood control projects over the past three years, equivalent to a fifth of all projects nationwide.

A day after the president’s announcement, Senate President Chiz Escudero denied involvement in the business operations of a campaign donor identified by Marcos as one of top contractors for flood control.