Manila: Leaders of the House of Representatives have expressed their support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s initiative to conduct lifestyle checks on government officials, starting with those from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr., the chair of the House Committee on Human Rights, voiced his approval of the President's proposal during a news conference, highlighting the necessity for these checks to extend to all branches of government, including the Judiciary.

According to Philippines News Agency, Public Accounts Committee chair Representative Terry Ridon of Bicol Saro Party-list also endorsed the initiative. Ridon emphasized that the lifestyle checks should encompass all government officials, including members of Congress and the Judiciary, to ensure that they are leading modest lives. He further mentioned that the checks should not be limited to the DPWH but should also cover every agency and political branch of the government.

The Palace has confirmed that President Marcos ordered these lifestyle checks following his inspection of 11 flood-control projects in Marikina, Iloilo, Bulacan, and Benguet. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the checks would initially target DPWH officials but would eventually extend to the entire executive branch. Additionally, the President has directed a continuous audit of DPWH records to ensure transparency and accountability.

As of Wednesday morning, the Palace reported that 9,020 submissions concerning questionable flood-control projects had been received through the Sumbong sa Pangulo platform. The government has renewed its call for citizens to remain vigilant and report any anomalies in government projects in their areas.