Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday assured the public that stricter safeguards would be in place to prevent corruption in flood control projects funded under the proposed 2027 national budget. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized the Marcos administration's commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of these projects.

According to Philippines News Agency, during his inspection of the Mananga River Flood Mitigation Structure Rehabilitation in Talisay, Cebu, President Marcos highlighted the priority of repairing and constructing flood control structures, with funding requirements included in the National Expenditure for 2027. Castro noted that the Department of Budget and Management would withhold funds if projects are not properly implemented.

Castro stressed the importance of not focusing solely on fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who faces graft and malversation charges related to alleged substandard or 'ghost' projects in Oriental Mindoro, valued at PHP289.5 million. She assured that the government is determined to prevent a repeat of such irregularities.

The press officer mentioned that legitimate flood control projects previously halted due to issues like ghost projects could still receive funding under the 2027 National Expenditure Program, provided they are necessary. Allegations of irregularities and ghost projects date back to 2018 and 2020, and Castro remarked that only under the Marcos administration has a deeper investigation into the issue been initiated.

She concluded by stating that the investigation into the flood control mess does not solely revolve around Zaldy Co, suggesting that many others might have been involved in these anomalies, indicating the potential for wider-reaching corruption.