Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is open to engaging in discussions to address issues related to the country’s flood control projects, Malaca±ang announced on Wednesday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong has submitted documents to President Marcos detailing alleged corruption in the implementation of these projects.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro stated that Mayor Magalong is ‘welcome’ to meet with President Marcos to discuss the alleged irregularities in flood mitigation projects. Magalong previously accused some lawmakers of involvement in these irregularities. Castro reassured the public that the President is committed to holding accountable all individuals involved in any anomalous flood control projects, irrespective of their rank or affiliation.

However, Castro noted that President Marcos is not naming anyone at this stage, as he wishes to avoid unfairly implicating ‘innocent’ individuals. While acknowledging that some Department of Public Works and Highways personnel may have been involved, she emphasized that a significant number remain uninvolved and should not be presumed guilty.

Castro assured that the investigation into these projects would be conducted with fairness. She highlighted that flood control projects, particularly those identified as priority projects, would undergo close monitoring. Castro pointed out that projects aligned with the National Expenditure Program (NEP) would face stricter accountability and closer monitoring by the President. She added that all projects, whether part of the NEP or initiated by other politicians, would be investigated equally and fairly.