MANILA – The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee opened its motu proprio inquiry into alleged anomalies in flood control projects, with Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta warning that corruption has worsened flooding in the country despite billions of pesos poured into government projects.

In his opening statement, Marcoleta said the hearing titled “Philippines Under Water” seeks to determine whether the award and implementation of flood control contracts were marred by malfeasance, misfeasance, and nonfeasance.

“Waters should be in between these islands, surrounding our lands — not inside our lands or homes. Pero tila nitong mga nakaraang taon, patuloy ang pagdami ng mga lugar na nalulubog sa baha sa kabila ng bilyon-bilyong piso na ibinubuhos para sa mga proyektong panlaban sa baha. Kaya mapapatanong ka na lamang: Saan ba may pagkukulang? Bakit hindi masolusyunan ang deka-dekadang problema sa pagbaha? Sinu-sino ba ang may kasalanan?” he said.

The senator said records show billions are spent yearly on flood control projects, yet lives and properties continue to be lost. He stressed that climate change should not be used as an excuse for failed government interventions. “Enough is enough!” Marcoleta said, citing the Netherlands as an example of how strong engineering solutions can address flood risks.

He outlined the possible violations under scrutiny, including government procurement laws, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials, and various guidelines of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Among the objectives of the inquiry are to establish facts on the concentration of contracts among 15 contractors identified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., examine compliance with procurement rules, investigate alleged irregularities in bidding, and assess the quality of completed projects.

Expected resource persons include officials from DPWH, DBM, and the Commission on Audit, as well as representatives from the 15 contractors. Documents such as procurement records, project reports, and financial statements will also be examined.

Marcoleta emphasized that the inquiry will be guided by transparency, due process, impartiality, and public interest. He reminded resource persons to cooperate fully, saying: “We owe our people the truth — tandaan natin na bawat dam o dike na itinatayo ay galing sa pera ng bawat Pilipino.”

He concluded by urging colleagues and stakeholders to work toward long-term solutions to flooding. “It is our duty to get to the bottom of this. Kahit sisirin pa natin ito kung kinakailangan! No stone shall be left unturned and no one shall be spared,” he said.