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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Flag officers' group urges Marcos: Create fact-finding body to probe botched flood control projects

Flag officers' group urges Marcos: Create fact-finding body to probe botched flood control projects

Published Aug 18, 2025 06:11 pm
Photo shows an unfinished section of a flood control project along Pampanga River in Barangay Bulusan, Calumpit, Bulacan on August 18, 2025. The Commission on Audit (COA) has launched a fraud audit into billions of pesos worth of flood control projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bulacan. The move comes after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. raised serious concerns during his inspection of several flood control projects in the province last week. (Santi San Juan | MANILA BULLETIN)
Photo shows an unfinished section of a flood control project along Pampanga River in Barangay Bulusan, Calumpit, Bulacan on August 18, 2025. The Commission on Audit (COA) has launched a fraud audit into billions of pesos worth of flood control projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bulacan. The move comes after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. raised serious concerns during his inspection of several flood control projects in the province last week. (Santi San Juan | MANILA BULLETIN)
A group of active and retired generals and flag officers called on President Marcos Jr. to form a fact-finding body that would investigate alleged irregularities in flood control projects across the country.
In a statement Monday, Aug. 18, the Association of Generals and Flag Officers (AGFO) expressed support for Marcos’ “decisive actions against deep-seated corruption”, particularly concerning critical flood control infrastructure projects nationwide.
“If we may be allowed, we suggest that the President create an investigative fact-finding body composed of public officials and private citizens to conduct an in-depth inquiry to unearth all anomalies related to this matter,” said retired major general Gerardo Layug, AGFO president and chairman of the board of trustees.
The group said they view corruption “not merely as a matter of graft but as a direct and severe threat to national security.”
They said that when funds intended to protect the communities from natural calamities are siphoned off by greed, then it does not only steal from public coffers as it also directly endangers lives, destroys livelihoods, displaces families, and erodes the people’s trust in government institutions that are meant to serve them.
AGFO, which is composed of active and retired officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Philippine Coast Guard, acknowledged that the recent directives issued by Marcos to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the anomalies are “a necessary and commendable step in safeguarding our citizens.”
“This statement affirms our support for the President’s clear and unequivocal stand against all forms of corruption within the government bureaucracy. Our support is anchored on the principle that the integrity of our institutions is paramount,” the group noted.
The group expressed belief that a government free from corruption “is the bedrock upon which a strong and resilient nation is built.” “It ensures that our resources are utilized for their intended purpose, that public services are delivered efficiently, and that every Filipino benefits from the nation’s progress,” AGFO stressed.
During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last month, Marcos criticized substandard and unfinished flood control projects, warning contractors and government officials that accountability will be pursued.
He had said billions of pesos had already been poured into flood mitigation programs, yet many communities remain vulnerable to flooding during the rainy season due to poorly executed or incomplete projects.
Last week, the Chief Executive disclosed that P545 billion in public funds went to flood control projects nationwide since July 2022, based on the initial review of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
What the President found “disturbing” was that P100 billion worth of 20 percent of all flood control projects in the past three years were undertaken only by 15 contractors.
Marcos has ordered the ongoing audit to investigate further why 20 percent of flood control projects went to only 15 contractors. “That for me was the one that stood out very much. Five of these contractors had projects in almost the entire country. So those are the ones that immediately popped out na sa aking palagay ay kailangan natin tingnan (and I think we need to look into it).”

Related Tags

AGFO generals flag officers PBBM anti-corruption flood control
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