The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) aired its support for President Marcos' call for transparency and accountability on the flood control projects that were uncovered to be either "ghost" projects or sub-standardly built by some contractors who had the monopoly of these projects.

LCP National President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, in a statement issued on Friday, Aug. 22, emphasized the need to strictly monitor and investigate these flood control projects that costs millions, if not billions, and yet fail to deliver their promised results.

The LCP is composed of 149 city mayors who are mandated to ventilate, articulate, and crystallize issues affecting city governments and urban communities.

"The League of Cities of the Philippines, composed of the mayors of our country’s cities, strongly supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s call for a full government accounting and performance review of flood control projects. In his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President highlighted the dismal state of flood control initiatives, which have persisted through the years and continue to endanger the lives of countless Filipinos, especially during recent typhoons," Zamora said.

"We, city mayors, have witnessed firsthand these alarming events that cause our constituents to suffer—from loss of life and livelihood to disruptions in children’s education, as well as increased health risks such as leptospirosis brought about by unmitigated flooding," he added.

"We commend the President’s directives and express our full support for the ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies in the implementation of substandard and so-called “ghost” flood control projects. We urge concerned national government agencies to cooperate fully and report truthfully on the actual status of these infrastructure programs," Zamora said.

The LCP said it is imperative to put an end to corrupt and ineffective practices and instead pursue long-term solutions to flooding that are both effective and sustainable.

"Science and technology already offer viable strategies, particularly when aligned with climate change adaptation and sound city planning. The League of Cities of the Philippines welcomes the support of various sectors, including private partners, in identifying and implementing these solutions. We remain open to dialogue, collaboration, and active participation to ensure smooth and effective execution," Zamora, who is also the Metro Manila Council (MMC) president, said.