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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Mayors unite behind infrastructure accountability measures

Mayors unite behind infrastructure accountability measures

Published Oct 3, 2025 12:05 am  |  Updated Oct 2, 2025 06:09 pm
METRO MATTERS
By MAYOR FRANCIS ZAMORA
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has restored a critical safeguard in public infrastructure: the requirement that local government units must formally accept national government projects before they can be declared completed. This directive reinstates a practice that ensures projects are fully finished and functional before turnover.
The League of Cities of the Philippines, composed of the 149 cities nationwide and the Metro Manila Council composed of the 17 LGUs in the National Capital Region, are grateful to President Marcos for this demonstration of confidence in the capacity of the local governments. This is not merely policy rhetoric or political theater.
Through Executive Order No. 94 and the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, our Bagong Pilipinas administration has institutionalized accountability measures that will protect public funds and ensure quality infrastructure.
Local government units are now empowered partners in stopping corruption. No national project will be declared complete until mayors formally accept it. This means that we will certify that projects actually exist, meet specifications, and serve their intended purpose.
The League of Cities of the Philippines and the Metro Manila Council fully support this reform, recognizing it as essential in protecting our communities from substandard and ghost projects.
The principle is straightforward: mayors know every flood-prone area, every community's needs. We understand which streets flood during heavy rains, which barangays need pumping stations and slope protection, which drainage systems require upgrading. When we certify project completion, ghost projects become impossible. Substandard work cannot hide.
This partnership between the national and local governments delivers what our people deserve: transparency, accountability, and infrastructure that truly serves them.
The LCP and MMC have expressed strong support for the ongoing investigations into anomalous flood control projects. These investigations represent our collective commitment to transparent and accountable governance. We stand ready to provide local knowledge, facilitate stakeholder consultations, and serve as force multipliers in monitoring government-funded projects.
In San Juan, I can say with conviction that there are no ghost projects. Every facility turned over is existing and fully operational. It is my duty to ensure that every peso entrusted to us translates into real projects that people can see, feel, and benefit from. This is the minimum standard every Filipino deserves from their leaders.
I stand before you as mayor of San Juan, Metro Manila Council president, League of Cities of the Philippines national president, and as a father who wants his children to inherit an honest nation.
Every peso comes from Filipinos who pay taxes generated from their hardwork. Public servants who understand this will join our fight. Let us deliver public service that honors our constituents' sacrifice.
I also call on every citizen to remain vigilant. Report ghost projects. Document substandard work. Demand receipts and inspections. Corruption thrives in silence but dies under the light of public watchfulness. Your vigilance strengthens our ability to serve you better.
The reinstatement of the LGU acceptance process marks a new chapter in Philippine infrastructure development. This is not about credit or control. This is about ensuring that every bridge connects communities, every flood control project protects families, and every road leads our nation forward. Good governance should become the standard, not the exception.
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