PBBM: Hold accountable flood control suspects

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. engaged in a dialogue with members of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) at the Diamond Hotel Manila on August 14, 2026. (Courtesy: Presidential Communications Office)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday underscored the urgent need to hold accountable all those responsible for the anomalous implementation of government flood infrastructure projects.

During a luncheon hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), Mr. Marcos said accountability remains a priority as investigations into the flood control scandal continue.

“As I committed during my State of the Nation Address last month, we will hold accountable all individuals responsible for the anomalous implementation of government infrastructure projects. This accountability goes hand in hand with ensuring that these projects deliver the services that our people need,” he said.

“Cases have been filed. People have already been put behind bars. There are continuing investigations into those who are going to be held accountable, who will have to be held accountable for any wrongdoing in terms of corruption, in terms of the flood control scandal,” the President added.

Marcos said holding those involved in the flood control scandal accountable is particularly urgent as the country faces increased risks from flooding and other hazards during the rainy season.

“All of these things that we have uncovered, that is an ongoing process. The government has to continue to do that, because corruption is not a Filipino problem. Corruption is a human problem,” he said.

The President, however, declined to answer questions involving his cousin, former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

He said he is not privy to the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation or its timetable.

“I think you should be asking that question to the Ombudsman,” he said.

Strengthening disaster resilience, promoting transparency

He assured the public the government is implementing measures to strengthen disaster resilience.

“We are strengthening flood mitigation and disaster preparedness, and accelerating the implementation of critical intervention. Every peso invested in these projects must translate into real protection for our people and our communities,” Mr. Marcos said.

The President cited efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability measures in the Department of Public Works and Highways, including the creation of a transparency portal where the public can check specific infrastructure projects in their communities.

“And should they find that those are not going well, or they are post-projects, or they are substandard, or the contract is questionable, then they can report it back to us,” Mr. Marcos said.

He said the government is also implementing legal and administrative reforms and strengthening monitoring mechanisms to prevent irregularities from being repeated.

He identified digitalization as one of the administration’s most powerful tools in curbing corruption because it reduces human discretion where wastage and corruption can occur.

“Digitalization is our most powerful tool for that. Because we remove the human element where wastage, corruption can creep into,” Mr. Marcos said.

‘Best’ anti-corruption presidential bet

With less than two years before the next presidential race in 2028, Mr. Marcos said he will endorse the “best” candidate, one who will continue his administration’s anti-corruption campaign.

“The candidate I will endorse will be someone who I am confident will continue our anti-corruption measures,” the President said.

“We will choose the best possible candidate who will continue what we have started, and who will bring even new and hopefully even better initiatives to the development of our country.”

Mr. Marcos, however, acknowledged it is still too early to identify the possible standard-bearer of his political party, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).

“Who that is, I cannot tell you because even I don’t know. It’s a little early for that. And we don’t know,” he said.

The President said the PFP would work with other political parties and consider whether to field joint candidates or its own slate.

“There are so many political events that are still going to happen between now and that time. And so, it’s very hard for me to, for myself, even to make a decision,” he said.

Mr. Marcos also said he has not yet spoken with anyone to ask whether they plan to run for president.

“The time will come,” he said. — Charles Dantes