Mayors want full disclosure of details on flood control projects 

A group of mayors is demanding the full disclosure of information on flood control projects, including the names of the contractors and any politicians involved. 

In a statement, the Mayors for Good Governance demanded from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and all concerned national government agencies the immediate and full disclosure of all project details: the Programs of Work, Detailed Unit Price Analyses, Bill of Quantities, and Feasibility Studies, "and, most urgently, the names of contractors and politicians responsible for these multi-billion peso projects funded by our taxpayers."

The group said that flood control projects have existed for decades, but over the past years, the supposed corruption in these projects has become more alarming, pervasive, and systematic. 

''There is no justification for any secrecy or delay. The Filipino people have waited long enough. Families have suffered unrelenting floods and landslides. Transparency is no longer optional, but a duty we owe to every Filipino,'' the group said. 

The mayors maintained that their position is clear: Full transparency and genuine accountability now, noting that those who have stolen public funds must face the full force of the law. 

''Once proven guilty, politicians and bureaucrats must not only be removed from office, but also prosecuted and jailed. Corruption must end now. The Filipino people deserve a government that protects and serves them, not one that endangers their lives and robs them of their future,'' the mayors said.

During his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said government personnel who steal public funds—such as those for flood control projects—should have some shame.

Last week, Marcos launched a website where the public can report on questionable flood control projects.

Marcos disclosed that 20% of the P545-billion budget for flood control projects was awarded to only 15% of contractors, five of whom have contracts across the country. 

Marcos recently sought explanation from St. Timothy Construction Corp. regarding its supposed failed flood control project in Calumpit Bulacan, which was hit by floods, with residents of several barangays forced to wade through flood water for at least two weeks. — BM, GMA Integrated News