Manila civic groups' leader has expressed full support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s nationwide inspection of flood control projects, calling the move a bold stand against corruption and substandard infrastructure that put lives at risk.

Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, Chairman Emeritus of four civic-oriented organizations based in Manila, said the President's actions send a strong message of accountability to contractors and public officials.

“In times like these, when our people are battered by floods and calamities, we cannot afford substandard work and corruption,” Goitia said.

“That is why I fully support President Marcos in his decisive inspection of flood control projects. He is showing the Filipino people that negligence and betrayal of public trust will not be tolerated.”

Goitia highlighted the President’s recent visits to flood-prone areas in Bulacan, including Barangays Bulusan and Frances in Calumpit.

In Barangay Bulusan, over 200 meters of river protection structures were reportedly left unbuilt, despite documents claiming the project had been completed.

Divers sent by the President also reportedly discovered structural flaws such as thin concrete layers and gaps in the foundation.

“He even dispatched divers to inspect below the surface, revealing thin, uneven concrete and gaps between the structure and its foundation—substandard work destined to fail,” Goitia added.

The President was quoted as saying, “They must explain why this is how they built it. It would serve them well to come here and feel how hard life is for our countrymen because of their actions.”

In Barangay Frances, a P77.1-million flood control project was found to have poor-quality materials and incomplete desilting, despite being listed as completed. Following these findings, the Commission on Audit ordered a fraud audit of all flood control projects in Bulacan.

In Oriental Mindoro, Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor reported recently completed dikes that collapsed after just a few weeks and flagged the misuse of P39 billion in flood control funds.

In response, President Marcos released P46.14 million in financial assistance for affected farmers and fishers and directed government agencies to revise the country’s Flood Control Masterplan for better climate resilience.

“The President’s approach combines inspection, swift corrective action, and anti-corruption measures with tangible aid,” Goitia said.

“This is what leadership looks like. He is not just building infrastructure; he is demanding quality, integrity, and fairness.”

Goitia urged fellow Manileños and Filipinos across the country to support the administration’s anti-corruption efforts.

“Every botched dike is a threat to households. Every peso lost to corruption takes food from someone’s table,” he said.

“President Marcos has made it clear: no room for thieves or saboteurs. This is our fight too.”