The national government is auditing nearly 14,000 flood control infrastructure projects completed under the Duterte administration in the Davao region following severe flooding that inundated the area, Malacañang announced Wednesday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is verifying the reported 13,970 completed flood control projects as of March 2022 to confirm their existence and ensure proper execution.
Castro made the statement in response to Vice President Sara Duterte’s remarks criticizing the administration and claiming the country is currently submerged in floodwaters and suffering from poverty. Castro noted that the Vice President was speaking the truth regarding the flooding, pointing out that even Davao City, the long-standing political stronghold of the Duterte family, suffered heavy inundation.
“Kaya nga po nagpabigay na agad ng utos ang Pangulo kay Secretary Vince Dizon na ayusin ang pagbabaha, malalang pagbabaha sa Davao City,” Castro said.
An initial review by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon revealed that a flood control project in Davao City initiated in 2019 remains unfinished and no dredging operations had been conducted in the area for a decade. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. immediately ordered DPWH to rectify the situation.
Castro emphasized that the audit is not a political attack or an accusation of wrongdoing against the former administration, but a necessary step to ensure accountability in public spending.
“Kung mayroon dapat managot dito sa mga proyektong ito, dahil inamin naman ni dating pangulong Duterte na may ghost projects sa panahon niya, dapat din natin malaman,” Castro added.
Impeachment and Political Alliances
In the same briefing, Castro dismissed Vice President Duterte’s assertions that the pending impeachment proceedings against her are unconstitutional, maintaining that impeachment is a legal process mandated by the Constitution. She reiterated President Marcos’ position that anyone who commits wrongdoing must be held accountable.
Addressing broader political dynamics, Castro stated that President Marcos views all local leaders as partners in governance, including former Vice President and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo.
Castro explained that in the President’s eyes, all local officials across cities and municipalities are considered allies under a unified administration. However, she noted that the President changes his stance only toward those who actively act as “obstructionists.”