MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said an initial review of flood control projects revealed that P100 billion, or 20 percent of the total budget for such projects in the past three years, went to just 15 contractors.

Citing a preliminary report from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Marcos said P545 billion in public funds had been allocated for flood control projects nationwide since July 2022. The DPWH identified 2,409 contractors involved in both local and national projects.

“However, this is another disturbing assessment, statistic: 20 percent of the entire 545 billion budget napunta lang sa 15 na contractors. Sa 15 na contractor na ‘yan, lima sa kanila ay may kontrata sa buong Pilipinas,” Marcos said in a Malacañang press conference.

The President noted that five of the 15 contractors had projects “in almost the entire country,” prompting him to order the ongoing audit to further investigate the matter.

“That for me was the one that stood out very much. Five of these contractors had projects in almost the entire country. So those are the ones that immediately pop out na sa aking palagay ay kailangan natin tingnan,” he said.

Marcos recalled that during his term as governor of Ilocos Norte, local government units would hire local contractors to ensure better coordination and faster completion of public works.

He urged the public to share information on the matter, stressing that the DPWH report only reflected initial findings.

“We are not accusing anyone of anything yet. However, it gives us an idea of what, how this has been conducted. So, I hope the people will take advantage of this. And as I said, there is always a way for them to give their comments,” Marcos said.

The audit was ordered during the President’s fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, when he condemned corruption in public works that left communities vulnerable to recurring flash floods during heavy rains.