Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday defended the Marcos administration's response to flooding, citing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to address severe flooding in Davao City and the need to verify 13,970 flood control projects reported completed during the previous administration.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that Marcos had instructed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon to promptly tackle the flooding in Davao City. A flood control project reportedly initiated in 2019 remains unfinished, and there has been no dredging in the area for a decade.
"Doon po sa lubog na ang bansa sa baha, totoo naman po, kitang-kita po natin ito sa Davao City (Regarding the country being submerged in floods, that is indeed true, we can clearly see it in Davao City)," Castro mentioned in a Palace briefing. The President's immediate directive to Secretary Vince Dizon underscores the urgency of addressing the severe flooding in Davao City.
Davao City holds political significance as the stronghold of the Duterte family, with former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte both having served as mayor for years. Castro highlighted the reported 13,970 flood control projects completed by March 2022 during the Duterte administration, emphasizing the need for the DPWH to verify their existence and completion. The review aims to ensure proper utilization of public funds rather than accusing any wrongdoing.
"Kung mayroon dapat managot dito sa mga proyektong ito, dahil inamin naman ni dating pangulong Duterte na may ghost projects sa panahon niya, dapat din natin malaman (If someone should be held accountable for these projects, given that former president Duterte had admitted there were ghost projects during his administration, we should also find that out)," Castro added.
In response to Vice President Duterte's critique that the nation is 'submerged' in floods and poverty while the administration focuses on her impeachment, Castro dismissed claims that the proceedings violate the Constitution. She pointed out that the process is explicitly provided for in the fundamental law, reinforcing the importance of accountability: 'Kung may kasalanan dapat na mahatulan (If there is wrongdoing, the person responsible should be held accountable),' Castro asserted.
