July 29, 2025) — One mayor said President Bongbong Marcos’ crackdown on anomalous flood control projects should also include congressmen involved in corruption.
This comes after Marcos ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways to look into flawed and “ghost” flood control projects and vowed to go after all those involved — including contractors — in his fourth State of the Nation Address
In an interview with Ted Failon & DJ Chacha on Tuesday, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong stressed that it is the congressmen themselves who pick district engineers and regional directors for their respective localities.
“Nagkakaroon ng conspiracy sa mga kickback na ‘yan, sa mga hatian, sa mga porsyento, sa pagpili ng mga contractor — favored contractor na karamihan din politiko rin,” said Magalong.
Magalong also expressed dismay over lawmakers applauding and cheering on Marcos’ directive, calling it the “height of mockery and callousness.”
“Very glaring ‘yung palakpakan, sigawan, howling ng mga mambabatas. In the end, sila naman ‘yung involved diyan… Parang inosenteng inosente pa sila,” said Magalong.
The mayor also hoped that the investigation into anomalous projects would not be exclusive to those related to flood control.
Magalong alleged that some officials who lost in the recent elections implemented even last-minute projects to maximize kickbacks before the end of their terms.
“Hinabol pa nila ‘yung kanilang mga proyekto, lalong lalo na sa mga solar light, asphalt overlay para makakuha pa sila ng porsyento hanggang June 13. Kaya kita niyo talaga ‘yung callousness,” he said.
Magalong said he would monitor developments in the President’s latest directive and whether it would be carried out effectively in the next few weeks.