When President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called out erring contractors on Wednesday after discovering a “ghost” flood control project in Bulacan, it was deja vu today, Friday, when heavy rains poured and flooded the streets of Metro Manila and nearby areas.

The proper execution of government projects could have spared Filipinos from recurrent flash floods while improving irrigation, water supply, and household access to clean water, President Marcos said.

During a media interview after uncovering a “ghost” flood control project in Purok 4, Barangay Piel, Baliuag, Bulacan last Wednesday, the President emphasized the importance of implementing projects as planned.

“You know, if all of these projects were properly executed and implemented, ang laki nang nawala na problema sana sa atin at saka sa mga taumbayan. At saka mas magiging maayos hanggang irrigation, hanggang water supply, fresh water supply for household,” President Marcos stressed.

On Friday, Metro Manila again experienced flash floods after a heavy downpour, prompting several local government units (LGUs) to cancel classes and causing traffic gridlock.

The President this week inspected various flood control projects in Bulacan, which were reported to the Sumbong sa Pangulo website, sumbongsapangulo.ph.

The Chief Executive discovered substandard structures as well as non-existent projects that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had reported as completed.

President Marcos ordered the blacklisting and filing of graft and economic sabotage charges against those involved in the falsification of supposed completed projects.

The website, sumbongsapangulo.ph, was created in line with the President’s order during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) to investigate and to hold accountable the contractors and individuals involved in irregularities in flood control projects in light of repeated widespread flooding during the typhoon season. | PD