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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Villanueva: No senator is tied to 15 firms awarded flood control deals

Villanueva: No senator is tied to 15 firms awarded flood control deals

Published Aug 11, 2025 04:11 pm

At A Glance

  • Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva denied that any senator is linked to the 15 contractors that garnered most of the government's P545-billion flood control projects, urging an impartial probe and long-term, integrated solutions to the country's flooding problem.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva on Monday said no senator is involved with any of the 15 contractors flagged in the P545-billion flood control program, following President Marcos' disclosure that the firms got 20 percent of the projects.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva has called for an impartial investigation into the flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). “The President himself mentioned this in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) and we expect the executive branch to look into this,” Villanueva said in a press breifing Monday, August 11, 2025. He said senators are also pushing for the probe to determine where the funds were spent and who were involved in the projects. (Senate PRIB photo)
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva has called for an impartial investigation into the flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). “The President himself mentioned this in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) and we expect the executive branch to look into this,” Villanueva said in a press breifing Monday, August 11, 2025. He said senators are also pushing for the probe to determine where the funds were spent and who were involved in the projects. (Senate PRIB photo)
“I can only speak for this House, not the other House. And as far as I’m concerned, as the majority leader of the Senate, I don’t see any senator involved in any of these 15 construction firms,” Villanueva told reporters in a press conference.
Asked if Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan should resign pending the investigation, Villanueva said the decision rests solely with the President.
“It’s not for me to call whether he should step aside or resign because it’s the call of the President. If the President feels he still enjoys his trust and confidence, there’s nothing we can do about it,” he said.
Villanueva stressed the importance of an impartial investigation with high credibility, ensuring that no one is spared and that those responsible are held accountable. He also renewed his call for a long-term, integrated flood control program, noting that the government’s current approach remains “patchwork” and uncoordinated.
“Three years ago we have been saying na hindi ito integrated, there’s no concrete plan, nabanggit ko nga yung word na patse-patse, itong mga nakaraang bagyo, nakita natin yun talagang totoo (Three years ago, we had already been saying that this is not integrated, there’s no concrete plan. I even used the term ‘patchwork.’ In the recent typhoons, we saw that it’s really true),” he added.
When pressed about the Lower House’s role in the issue, Villanueva declined to comment, saying, “Bibigyan ko na lang kayo ng mga papeles, mas magandang yun ang magsalita kesa ako (I’ll just give you documents—it’s better they speak than me).”
Meanwhile, Villanueva welcomed San Miguel Corporation President and CEO Ramon Ang’s offer to address Metro Manila’s flooding at no cost to the government. However, he urged that private-sector initiatives be aligned with the government’s master plan, warning against stand-alone projects that might not integrate into the national flood control strategy.
“Knowing Boss RSA, his proposals are always based on expert advice on flood control, dredging, and cleaning waterways,” Villanueva said.
“You can just imagine if there are 10 more RSAs in the country who would do that, ang laking bagay po nun (that would make a big difference),” he added.
He also stated that such contributions could free up government funds for other priorities during budget deliberations.
“We salute the statement made by San Miguel through Ramon Ang and hoping na mas marami pang kagaya niya ang mag-volunteer to help out and I’m sure malaking tulong yun (We salute the statement made by San Miguel through Ramon Ang and hope that more people like him will volunteer to help out, and I’m sure that would be a big help), he said.

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Joel Villanueva Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control flood control project President Marcos
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