Palace backs stronger LGU oversight of DPWH flood projects

Malacañang on Tuesday backed stronger local government oversight of flood-control projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), saying local governments should be able to inspect projects before they are fully paid.

Palace press officer Claire Castro said the position is consistent with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s push for greater coordination between the DPWH and local government units (LGUs).

The issue was raised after Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando claimed that around P41 billion worth of flood-control projects in the province had not been coordinated with the provincial government.

Castro said the President himself encountered similar concerns during his recent inspection of flood-affected areas in Central Luzon.

She said Marcos learned from a barangay official that some DPWH projects had not been properly reported or turned over to the local government.

“Wala pong turnover sa LGU ng mga proyekto ng DPWH,” Castro said.

(There was no turnover of DPWH projects to the LGU.)

Castro said this is something the Marcos administration wants to change.

“Kailangan merong pong say at merong pong turnover na magaganap from DPWH to the local government para macheck bago ito mabayaran ng buo,” she said.

(There needs to be a say from the local government and a turnover from DPWH to the local government so the project can be checked before it is fully paid.)

She said the President does not want a system in which local governments are unaware of projects being implemented within their jurisdictions.

Castro also defended Fernando against immediately being held responsible for projects that the governor may not have known about.

“Hindi po natin siya mai-judge kung ano po ang maari niyang alam at hindi niya alam,” she said.

(We cannot judge him based on what he may or may not have known.)

According to Castro, the lack of coordination may have stemmed from the way some projects had previously been implemented without sufficient involvement from local governments.

She said the President now wants LGUs to have a role in checking projects before government funds are fully released.

The Palace’s remarks came as the administration continues to examine flood-control projects following widespread flooding in Central Luzon and questions over the effectiveness and implementation of government flood-control infrastructure. —VAL, GMA News