Calumpit: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday conducted a site inspection of river protection and flood mitigation structures in two villages in Calumpit, Bulacan, amid the government's thorough investigation into the country's flood control projects. Marcos first visited Barangay Bulusan to inspect the rehabilitation of a river protection structure in the area.
According to Philippines News Agency, St. Timothy Construction Corporation, one of the top three contractors securing the majority of flood control projects nationwide, handled the PHP96.4-million rehabilitation of a river protection structure in the village. After inspection, Marcos said he would demand an explanation from the company for its substandard work and failure to carry out desilting.
Marcos also expressed his frustrations over false claims that the project, including the desiltation process, had been completed. He highlighted that investigations using divers and photographic evidence revealed that the cement used was very thin and uneven, leading to a collapse. The President insisted on accountability from the contractors for the substandard work.
The President also questioned the absence of necessary dredging and desiltation processes, which are integral to flood control projects. He emphasized that these processes are included in the contract but have reportedly not been observed in practice.
Following his visit to Barangay Bulusan, Marcos proceeded to Barangay Frances to assess a flood mitigation structure constructed by Wawao Builders, valued at PHP77.1 million. Wawao Builders is identified as one of the top 15 contractors involved in flood control projects.
Despite Bulacan not being officially listed among flood-prone areas, it reportedly has the highest number of flood control projects, totaling 668 and worth about PHP6.5 billion. The President encouraged the public to report irregularities in flood control projects through the sumbongsapangulo.ph website, urging citizens to use this platform for accountability.
Marcos emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in flood control projects, expressing his dismay at the longstanding issues and urging for immediate action to rectify these problems.
