PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed “impossible” and “disturbing” findings in an ongoing review of the multibillion-peso flood control program, citing cases of identical project costs across different sites and a concentration of contracts in the hands of a few builders.
From July 2022 to May 2025, 9,855 flood control projects worth P545.6 billion have been implemented.
Initial assessments found that 6,021 projects—or 61 percent—lacked details on the exact type of structure built, repaired, or rehabilitated.
Same contractors
“Several projects in different locations have exactly the same contract cost, which could mean the same design, materials and lengths were used despite differences in location or terrain,” Marcos said in Malacañang.
“It is impossible … to have the exact same project, for the exact same amount, with the exact same contractor. That’s impossible,” he added.
About 20 percent of all projects, valued at roughly P100 billion, went to 15 contractors—five of which had projects in nearly all regions.
These include Legacy Construction Corp., Alpha & Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corp., St. Timothy Construction Corp., EGB Construction Corp., and Road Edge Trading & Development Services.
The other 10 firms with the most contracts are QM Builders, Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc., Centerways Construction and Development Inc., Sunwest Inc., Hi-Tone Construction & Development Corp., Triple 8 Construction & Supply Inc., Royal Crown Monarch Construction, Waowao Builders, MG Samidan Construction, and LR Tiqui Builders Inc.
Flood-prone areas overlooked
While Bulacan, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Tarlac and Ilocos Norte ranked high in project counts, other flood-prone provinces did not, such as Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Oriental Mindoro and Metro Manila.
Metro Manila, however, received 157 of the 170 pumping station projects completed in the past three years, worth P11.67 billion.
Public watchdog role
Marcos launched the “sumbongsapangulo.ph” website to publish project details, including locations, contractors, and status.
The public can check local projects and report irregularities, with the president promising to read submissions himself.
The probe, led by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, is in its early stages. Marcos said no officials or lawmakers will be named until the findings are verified.
Private sector help
Marcos welcomed San Miguel Corp. President Ramon Ang’s offer to help desilt Metro Manila waterways, adding that such efforts must be paired with local government waste management.
After the briefing, Marcos inspected the Pasig–Marikina River Channel Improvement Project Phase IV in Marikina City, a Japan-funded initiative to reduce flooding through dikes, floodgates, dredging and other structural measures.
