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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Bawal ang palusot': House leaders vow no-nonsense inquiry on flood control projects mess

'Bawal ang palusot': House leaders vow no-nonsense inquiry on flood control projects mess

Published Aug 26, 2025 12:38 pm  |  Updated Aug 26, 2025 01:00 pm

At A Glance

  • Deputy Speakers La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega and Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun have promised a no-nonsense investigation on the flood control projects controversy once the House infra comm convenes next week.
La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega (left), Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun (PPAB)
La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega (left), Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun (PPAB)


Deputy Speakers La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega and Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun have promised a no-nonsense investigation on the flood control projects controversy once the House infra comm convenes next week.
The House leaders say the move is a response to President Marcos' remarks that "even a whiff of corruption or abuse of power must not be ignored".
Through House Resolution No. 145, three House panels—the Committees on Public Accounts, on Public Works and Highways, and on Good Government and Public Accountability—have been tasked to hold an inquiry on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its contractors over billions of pesos in flood control projects, some of which have been flagged as either non-existent, defective, or grossly overpriced.

The joint panel dubbed itself the House infra comm.
Initial reports show over ₱500 billion was allocated since 2022, yet communities in Metro Manila and across the country remain submerged after every heavy rain.
In the cities of Malabon and Navotas, a floodgate damaged in 2024 still remains unrepaired to this day—despite being listed as “completed".
“Pumapasok ang tubig sa bahay pero ‘di makita ang proyektong pinondohan. Saan napunta ang pondo? (Floodwater is entering the house, but the funded project can’t be seen. Where did the funds go?)” asked Ortega. “We owe the public clear answers.”
“Kapag buhay ng tao ang nakataya, bawal ang palusot. Bawal ang palakasan (If people’s lives are at stake, we can't allow excuses. We can't allow favoritism). Every peso we lose to corruption is a life left at risk when floods hit. This investigation is not about politics—it’s about justice,” he added.
Khonghun emphasized that the probe will follow evidence and due process. More importantly, he assured the public it will not be toothless.
“Hindi ito witch hunt. Pero hindi rin ito palabas (This is no witch hunt. But this also isn't for show),” said Khonghun. “Those who were entrusted with the people’s money—whether in government or the private sector—must explain. And if wrongdoing is proven, they must face consequences.”
“’Wag nating hayaang malunod sa baha ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa gobyerno. Kailangang may managot (Let’s not allow the people’s trust in the government to drown in the flood. Someone must be held accountable),” he added.
The investigation will also lay the foundation for legislative reforms to prevent future misuse of infrastructure funds. Lawmakers are eyeing proposals that include enhanced procurement safeguards, better project tracking systems, and real-time transparency tools.
“Hindi sapat na magalit tayo tuwing bumabaha. Kailangan nating baguhin ang sistema para hindi na ito maulit (It’s not enough for us to get angry every time it floods. We need to change the system so this doesn’t happen again),” Ortega stressed.
They want the probe tp restore public trust and reaffirm that in President Marcos' Bagong Pilipinas, accountability is non-negotiable.
“Walang sagrado. Walang untouchable. Kapag may sablay, dapat may panagot (Nothing is sacred. No one is untouchable. When there’s a failure, there must be accountability),” Khonghun declared.
The House leaders emphasized that the Filipino people deserve not just infrastructure on paper, but real, functioning flood control systems that protect lives, livelihoods, and dignity.
“Hindi ‘yan pondo ng kung sino-sino. Pondo ‘yan ng mamamayan. At bawat sentimo dapat may pakinabang (That’s not just anyone’s money. That’s the people’s money. And every cent should be of benefit)," Ortega concluded.
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