President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the blacklisting of contractors behind anomalous flood control projects from securing new government contracts, Malacañang said on Thursday.

President Marcos issued the directive to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Thursday.

“Ayon kay Pangulong Marcos Jr., dapat na may managot sa ganitong uri ng kapabayaan, katiwalian at panloloko, at tiyakin na mananagot sa batas ang lahat ng may sala. Nakakadismaya at nakapagtataka kung bakit napupunta sa mga pabayang contractors ang mga ganitong proyekto,” Castro said in a press briefing.

“Hindi puwede na tapos lang sa papel ang mga flood control projects na kung maitayo man ay sira din agad at wala nang silbi. Hindi rin puwedeng mababang klase ang proyekto para sa taumbayan,” she emphasized.

Castro said the President was dismayed that billions of pesos in public funds had gone to flood control projects but these did not mitigate flooding during typhoons and heavy monsoon rains.

“Iang taon na ang lumipas at paulit-ulit pa rin ang dinaranas ng taumbayan,” Castro quoted President Marcos as saying.

The Chief Executive also ordered the DPWH to identify the individuals responsible for acquiring the services of the blacklisted contractors.

These individuals will be ordered to explain why the contractors continued to secure major government projects despite dismal record, Castro said.

President Marcos gave the order to the DPWH on Wednesday after visiting Iloilo City, where he inspected flood control projects and conducted an aerial survey of some areas affected by massive flooding.

The President also reiterated his call for the public to report anomalous flood control projects via the sumbongsapangulo.ph website.

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