MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos is open to considering “sensible” recommendations from the Dutertes regarding flood management across the country, although the previous administration must clarify the details of its over 13,000 flood control initiatives, as stated by Malacañang yesterday.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro responded to acting Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte’s recent criticisms of Marcos concerning questionable flood control projects.
According to Castro, “President Marcos is actively working to address the issues related to anomalous flood control projects. Comments without constructive solutions are not beneficial to the public.”
She added that the President welcomes suggestions from anyone willing to contribute valuable input.
The Palace emphasized the need for the Dutertes to account for the 13,917 flood control projects implemented during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s tenure.
“They should inform the public about these projects to determine their existence, operational status, effectiveness in combating floods, and the impacts felt over the years,” Castro stated.
Mayor Duterte mentioned that Davao City has developed its own flood control and infrastructure plans, while also critiquing the current administration’s lack of infrastructure progress.
“For the past three years, infrastructure development has been minimal and, if present, inadequately funded, making flood control projects ineffective,” he remarked.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28, Marcos called for an audit of flood control projects under his leadership, condemning the corruption that has exacerbated recurring flash floods during heavy rains.
