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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider NDRRMC backs probe into questionable flood control projects

NDRRMC backs probe into questionable flood control projects

Published Sep 8, 2025 03:20 pm
Commuters wade through a knee-deep flood in Ermita, Manila on Aug. 22, 2025 due to heavy rains brought by Tropical Depression "Isang". (Photo: Philippine News Agency via NDRRMC)
Commuters wade through a knee-deep flood in Ermita, Manila on Aug. 22, 2025 due to heavy rains brought by Tropical Depression "Isang". (Photo: Philippine News Agency via NDRRMC)
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) expressed support for a swift and impartial investigation into flood control projects flagged for alleged irregularities.
NDRRMC Chairperson and Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. warned that such issues undermine disaster resilience efforts and put communities at greater risk.
“As Chairperson of the NDRRMC, I support the call for a speedy and impartial investigation into the flood control projects which are under question,” he said in a statement on Monday, Sept. 8.
Teodoro stressed that questionable projects not only drain public funds but also endanger lives and divert critical resources away from more urgent disaster response and preparedness initiatives.
The NDRRMC serves as the government’s lead coordinating body on disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. It oversees the formulation and implementation of policies and programs aimed at reducing disaster risks nationwide.
Flood control projects, which fall under the mitigation and preparedness pillars, are critical to protecting vulnerable communities against recurring floods and the worsening effects of climate change, according to the NDRRMC.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), a key NDRRMC member agency, is tasked with implementing many of the government’s flood control programs.
However, a can of worms was opened after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. criticized alleged irregularities in the implementation of flood control programs during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.
An initial review found that P545 billion in public funds went to flood control projects nationwide since July 2022 and 20 percent of the entire budget was cornered by 15 contractors only, amounting to around P100 billion.
Further investigation showed that several of the projects were either non-existent or built with substandard materials, causing them to deteriorate prematurely.
Teodoro assured the public that the NDRRMC will continue to support the government’s anti-corruption campaign to ensure that disaster funds are used effectively, and that resilience-building programs remain focused on saving lives and protecting livelihoods.
“The NDRRMC and its member agencies are fully behind the Administration’s anti-corruption drive, which will have far-reaching effects in our bid to mitigate the impacts of disasters and climate change,” he said.

Related Tags

NDRRMC Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. flood control corruption DPWH
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