CNorte execs back BBM's crackdown on failed flood control projects

By Ernie Delgado

LEGAZPI CITY --- As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. intensifies his crackdown on failed flood-control projects, the chief executive has found the support of the province’s municipal officials.

On August 29 (Friday), the Camarines Norte Chapter of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines approved a motion to support transparency, accountability, and fairness in the investigation of questionable flood control projects nationwide.

In a unanimous vote, league members directed staff to express the organization’s support for efforts to deter corruption, ensure integrity, and uphold the rule of law in the country.

Photos posted on the Facebook page of VMLP Chapter President Jeana Yapyuco show the resolutions and the league members holding a meeting.

Many people expressed their support in the comments on a Facebook post by Ruel Santelices regarding the vice mayors’ resolution. However, others called for action from the officials.

“Aba eh kumilos na. Gumawa ng ocular inspection at documentation ng mga proyekto sa kanilang bayan na may bahid ng corruption,” stated Facebook user Ramon Dominguez.

“It’s not enough na lalahok silang lahat dahil madali lang po yun. Tingnan natin kung may gagawin sila,” added Noli B Banaria.

For Rico Avellana Cortez Pajares, ordinary citizens should take an active role in the anti-corruption drive.

“Dapat mismo mga tao ang mag organize,” stated Pajares on Facebook.

In the third episode of the PBBM Podcast titled “Sa Likod ng Sona” and aired last week, Marcos Jr. vowed that no one would be spared in the administration’s crackdown on those responsible for failed flood-control projects that have left several parts of the country inundated.

In keeping with his commitment made during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, Marcos launched “Sumbong sa Pangulo” on August 11. This interactive website allows citizens to view all flood control initiatives nationwide and can be accessed at https://sumbongsapangulo.ph/.

The website details 9,855 flood control projects undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways from July 2022 to May 2025, including 93 projects located in Camarines Norte.

These projects include the construction or repair of cut-off channels, dikes, drainage systems, flood mitigation facilities, retarding basins, revetments, slope protection mechanisms, spur dikes, waterways, and embankments.

Each flood-control project provides information about its location, the contractor’s name, the project cost, and the expected date of completion.

Residents can search for flood mitigation projects in their area using a searchable filter or an interactive map.

Additionally, the public can report any issues they observe with the projects—such as damaged structures, insufficient equipment, or incomplete work—either publicly or anonymously. They can also upload photos and videos as evidence.

Marcos said that publicizing the list of flood control projects during his administration is just the first step in his ongoing effort to combat corruption among government officials and private entities.

“We are going to keep going. This is something that is, I think, absolutely necessary,” he said. (PIA Bicol)