Palace affirms continuing investigation into flood control mess ~ HUMAN RIGHTS PROMOTIONS

Friday, August 21, 2026

Palace affirms continuing investigation into flood control mess

Friday, August 21, 2026 Herbert Curia - Promoter No comments

From the Website of the President

and Government Media Offices

links: http://president.gov.ph/
Article Links: https://pco.gov.ph/news-releases/

http://www.pna.gov.ph/

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Palace affirms continuing investigation into flood control mess

Malacañang on Thursday assured that the investigation into alleged anomalies involving flood control projects remains ongoing, as government agencies continue to assess projects that may have been ghost, substandard, or ineffective in addressing flooding.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are continuing their respective investigations into the alleged flood control scam.

“Tuluy-tuloy pa rin po,” Castro said during a Palace press briefing in response to a question on where the investigation would lead.

Castro said the Senate has already turned over to the Ombudsman documents and evidence gathered during its investigation.

She added that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) could also report and refer for investigation any other projects found to be ghost projects, substandard, or ineffective in controlling floods.

“Patuloy po ang pag-iimbestiga,” Castro said, stressing that the process is intended to ensure accountability for those who may be found responsible.

The ongoing probe comes as the country, particularly Metro Manila and other areas, continues to experience flooding caused by heavy monsoon rains.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself exposed the issue of alleged ghost flood control projects during his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) and ordered a deeper examination of how public funds intended for flood mitigation were being used.

The President subsequently directed government agencies to conduct investigations and establish accountability for projects that were allegedly nonexistent, defective, or failed to deliver on their intended purpose.

The administration has since pursued both accountability measures and additional flood-control interventions, including the inspection and improvement of pumping stations, clearing of waterways and drainage systems, and the study of longer-term solutions to improve water management.

The Palace maintained that the investigation into alleged irregularities will continue even as government agencies respond to the immediate effects of the Southwest Monsoon and other weather disturbances.

Castro said any additional questionable projects identified by the DPWH could also be subjected to investigation, reinforcing the administration’s position that those responsible for projects that failed to protect communities from flooding should be held accountable.| PND