MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said contractors behind defective or substandard flood control projects must shoulder the cost of repairs and rectification, stressing that taxpayers should not bear the financial burden.

In the second part of the fourth episode of his BBM Podcast, Marcos said he is open to dialogues with erring contractors but only after they deliver projects that comply with government specifications.

“Ang sinasabi ko nga, interesado ako na makipag-usap tayo sa mga contractor na tapusin nila. Ayusin nila,” the President said.

“O ‘di, mag-usap kami after that. Pero before that, ayusin nila. Ayusin nila. Buoin nila up to specification. At their cost ha? Huwag naman sila mag … don’t expect the government to pay for it. Ayusin nila ‘yung project nila,” he added.

The President said the directive is part of his administration’s push for accountability and transparency in infrastructure spending, ensuring that communities benefit fully from government projects.

Marcos earlier inspected several flood control works and confirmed complaints of substandard implementation, which are now subject to inquiries by the Executive branch, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. Citizens may also report poorly executed projects through the website sumbongsapangulo.ph.