Malacañang disproved as complete lies the claims made by beleaguered ex-Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, one of the main personalities implicated in the flood control and infrastructure corruption scandal.

The Palace emphasized that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. himself initiated the investigation into the corruption that has resulted in the filing of criminal cases, issuance of asset freeze orders and implementation of reforms in the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“These wild accusations are completely without basis in fact. All the charges leveled against the President are pure hearsay,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said in a news conference on Friday.

“Let us not forget, President Marcos Jr. himself exposed all these flood control anomalies and has taken numerous steps since to ensure that the guilty are brought to justice, the stolen wealth recovered, and the system is fixed to avoid any of this from happening again,” Gomez added.

Gomez challenged Co to return to the country to face investigation, and to make his statements under oath before the proper judicial authorities for legal accountability.

In the same news conference, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amehan Pangandaman disputed Co’s claim about the President’s supposed instructions for “insertions” in the 2025 national budget during the bicameral conference committee.

Pangandaman pointed out that the President had no more hand in the budget process after Malacañang had submitted the National Expenditure Program to the Senate and the House of Representatives. The two Congress chambers deliberate separately then convene the bicameral conference committee before returning the reconciled budget to Malacañang for approval.

“All appropriations ordered by the President are already in the National Expenditure Program. That is why it is called the President’s budget. So we reject any insinuations about it,” Pangandaman said.

“The bicam is purely under the power of the legislature. We respect and strictly follow the budget process and all our actions are above board,” the DBM chief stressed.

Pangandaman explained the Office of the President and the Executive Branch complied with the directives of the Constitution to craft the National Expenditure Program, submit this to Congress 30 days after the State of the Nation Address, and to explain the proposed budget in public briefings.

“Pagkatapos po nun, magde-deliberate na po sila. Wala na pong role ang Office of the President, ang Executive sa bicam,” Pangandaman pointed out.

PCO Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Co was merely diverting blame after he was implicated for pocketing huge kickbacks based on evidence and his questionable lavish lifestyle.

“Dahil lumiliit na ang mundo ni Zaldy Co, kailangan niyang iiwas ang sarili at mag name-drop kahit walang katibayan at laway lang ang puhunan. Para masagip ang sarili sa paratang ng pagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan at mapalitaw na siya ang biktima, siya ay magtatahi ng maling kwento laban sa ibang tao,” Castro said.

The Palace Press Officer reiterated that President Marcos himself called attention to corruption in flood control projects during the July 28 Fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) and created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to pursue the investigation.

“Bakit niya pasisimulan ang malalimang pag-iimbestiga, mag-establish ng ICI to investigate the anomalous flood control projects and other infrastructure kung ang Pangulo ay may kinalaman rito. Logic. Hindi ba dapat na iiwasan niya ang issue na ito kung siya mismo ay mapapaso,” Castro said.

“Malinaw ang mga pangyayari: papalapit na tayo sa katotohanan kaya’t pinipilit ilihis upang makaiwas ang mga tunay na may sala sa katarungan,” Castro added. | PND

Tiniyak ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang matatag na paninindigan ng Pilipinas sa pagpapatibay ng Rule of Law at sa pagpapaigting ng kooperasyon ng mga bansang kasapi ng Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) sa pagbubukas ng 13th ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting na ginanap sa Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Sa kanyang talumpati, binigyang-diin ng Pangulo na ang pagkakaisa ng mga bansang ASEAN ay dapat nakaugat sa katarungan at kaunlaran, mga haliging patuloy na nagsisilbing gabay ng rehiyon sa loob ng halos apat na dekada mula nang unang ganapin ang pagpupulong ng mga ASEAN Law Ministers noong 1986 sa Bali, Indonesia.

Isa sa mga pangunahing tampok ng pagpupulong ang nalalapit na pagpirma sa ASEAN Extradition Treaty (AET) — isang kasunduang magpapatibay sa pagtutulungan ng mga bansa sa paghahatid ng hustisya at sa pagtiyak na walang kriminal ang makatatakas sa batas sa pamamagitan lamang ng pagtawid ng hangganan o border.

“The AET reflects our collective resolve – that individuals with criminal charges will not escape justice by crossing borders in ASEAN (Ang AET ay malinaw na pahayag ng ating kolektibong paninindigan — na hindi makakatakas sa hustisya ang mga taong may kasong kriminal sa loob ng ASEAN),” ani Pangulong Marcos.

“With this landmark treaty, we send a clear message to the world that we are united and that our legal foundation is stronger than ever (Sa kasunduang ito, ipinapakita natin sa buong mundo na ang ASEAN ay nagkakaisa at may mas matatag na pundasyong legal).”

Dagdag pa ng Pangulo, mahalagang harapin ng ASEAN hindi lamang ang mga tradisyunal na krimen kundi pati na rin ang mga bagong hamon ng makabagong panahon, kabilang ang cybercrimes at ang mga etikal at legal na usapin ng Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Giit ng Pangulo, kailangang maging makatarungan, matatag, at ligtas ang mga batas na namamahala sa digital space upang mapanatiling makatao at inklusibo ang pag-unlad ng rehiyon.

“We make these efforts to promote the idea that the law continues to be the great equalizer of our time (Dapat nating tiyakin na ang batas ay patuloy na nagsisilbing dakilang tagapagpantay sa ating panahon),” aniya.

“This is especially true now as we have seen how corruption, inefficiency, and impunity can erode the moral bases of our societies
(Ito ay totoo sa kasalukuyang panahon na nakikita natin kung paano sinisira ng korupsyon, kawalan ng kakayahan, at kawalan ng parusa ang moral na pundasyon ng ating mga lipunan).”

Pinagtibay din ni Pangulong Marcos ang pangako ng Pilipinas na makipagtulungan sa lahat ng kasaping bansa para sa isang mas matatag, mas matibay, at mas inklusibong ASEAN, kabilang ang pagbibigay-suporta sa Timor-Leste habang ito ay naghahanda na maging ganap na kasapi ng mga legal na katawan ng ASEAN.

Sa pagtatapos ng kanyang talumpati, nanawagan ang Pangulo sa lahat ng mga kasapi na ipagpatuloy ang pagkakaisa at dedikasyon upang mapanatiling buhay ang pangako ng ASEAN sa katarungan, pagkakapantay-pantay, at kapayapaan.

“Together, let us honor that promise and work towards it, united in the belief that justice and fairness know no borders in ASEAN (Sama-sama nating tuparin ang pangakong ito — na sa ASEAN, ang katarungan at pagkakapantay-pantay ay walang hangganan),” pagtatapos ni Pangulong Marcos. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday urged law ministers in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to strengthen cooperation in combating cybercrimes and addressing issues on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In his keynote speech at the opening of the two-day 13th ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM) held at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City, President Marcos welcomed the signing of the ASEAN Extradition Treaty (AET) during the meeting currently chaired by the Philippines.

“The AET reflects our collective resolve – that individuals with criminal charges will not escape justice by crossing borders in ASEAN,” said the President.

The AET reflects legal principles contained in international agreements, including extradition of nationals, procedures for provisional arrest and documentation, and mechanisms for the settlement of disputes and implementation.

“With this landmark treaty, we send a clear message to the world that we are united and that our legal foundation is stronger than ever,” President Marcos declared.

While the AET will enhance regional action against conventional cross-border crimes, the President urged ASEAN law ministers to strengthen collaboration on emerging transnational challenges.

“I speak of the threat of cybercrimes and the ethical and legal implications of Artificial Intelligence. We must ensure that our laws can govern the digital space fairly and securely,” said the President.

President Marcos also urged ASEAN law ministers to heighten proactive efforts to ensure sustainable and secure growth in the region that is also rooted in human dignity.

“We make these efforts to promote the idea that the law continues to be the great equalizer of our time. This is especially true now as we have seen how corruption, inefficiency, and impunity can erode the moral bases of our societies,” the President said.

“Therefore, we must ensure that the legal framework works for the benefit of our peoples.”

Thanking ASEAN law ministers, senior officials, and partners, President Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to work with all ASEAN Member States for a stronger and more resilient bloc.

“Let us continue on this path as we make the Rule of Law the most enduring promise we can make to our peoples. Together, let us honor that promise and work towards it, united in the belief that justice and fairness know no borders in ASEAN,” said the President.

Established in Bali, Indonesia in 1986, the ALAWMM serves as a vital platform for the Secretaries of Justice, Justice Ministers, and Attorneys-General of the ASEAN Member States to foster legal collaboration, promote the rule of law, and launch new initiatives among legal institutions in the region. | PND

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the nation in paying tribute to former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who passed away on Thursday.

Enrile, who has held various government positions, served as President Marcos’ Chief Presidential Legal Counsel since July 2022.

Enrile passed away at age 101.

“We say goodbye to one of the most enduring and respected public servants our country has ever known,” President Marcos said in a statement.

“For over 50 years, Juan Ponce Enrile dedicated his life to serving the Filipino people, helping guide the country through some of its most challenging and defining moments. Even in his final years, he remained brilliant, sharp, and firm in his belief that law and governance must always serve the Filipino people,” the President added.

President Marcos said Enrile’s passing marked the close of a chapter in the country’s history, but the mark he left behind in law, governance, and public service will never be forgotten.

“Maraming salamat, Tito Johnny. Paalam at salamat sa isang buhay na buong puso mong inalay para sa bayan,” President Marcos said.

Enrile served as justice minister and defense minister to President Marcos’ late father, President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos.

Enrile was elected district representative of Cagayan for one term (1992-1995) and senator for four terms (1987-1992, 1995-2001, 2004-2010, and 2010-2016), during which he served as Senate President from 2008 to 2013. | PND

Bumisita si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa lalawigang-isla ng Catanduanes nitong Huwebes upang siyasatin ang mga lugar na sinalanta ng Super Typhoon Uwan at pangunahan ang pagpapatuloy ng tulong sa mga apektadong residente.

Pumunta ang Pangulo sa Tubli Elementary School sa Barangay Tubli, bayan ng Caramoran, kung saan kanya ring tiningnan ang mga silid-aralan na nasira ng Super Typhoon Uwan at ng Super Typhoon Pepito noong nakaraang taon.

May 739 mag-aaral at 30 kawani ang Tubli Elementary School. Sa 23 silid-aralan nito, isa ang tuluyang nasira, 14 ang may malalang pinsala, habang ang natitira ay may bahagyang pinsala dulot ng Super Typhoon Uwan.

Nag-donate si Pangulong Marcos ng dalawang yunit ng Starlink internet satellite sa Tubli Elementary School at sa pamahalaang lokal ng Caramoran.

Pagkatapos nito, sinuri rin ng Pangulo ang mga nasirang bahay at ang seawall sa parehong barangay.

Ayon sa ulat ng Caramoran, may 558 bahay ang tuluyang nasira at 2,127 ang bahagyang nasira.

Sa Barangay Tubli, kung saan nakatulong ang seawall upang maprotektahan ang komunidad sa baybayin, may 158 bahay ang tuluyang nasira at 370 ang bahagyang nasira, habang halos lahat ng mga motorbanca ay winasak ng super bagyo.

Alinsunod sa “whole-of-government approach,” inutusan ni Pangulong Marcos ang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan na ipagpatuloy ang pagbibigay ng tulong at ayuda sa mga residenteng apektado ng bagyo at tulungan silang makabangon sa lalong madaling panahon.

Kasama sa tulong ang Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) ng Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), na magbibigay ng tulong-pinansyal sa mga mamamayang nawalan o nasiraan ng tirahan dahil sa Super Typhoon Uwan.

Ayon sa Pangulo, nagpapatuloy ang koordinasyon ng lahat ng mga ahensya ng pambansang pamahalaan at ng mga apektadong lokal na pamahalaan sa mga hakbangin para sa relief, recovery, at rehabilitation.

Noong Nobyembre 5, nilagdaan ni Pangulong Marcos ang Proklamasyon Blg. 1077 na nagdedeklara ng isang taong national state of calamity upang mapabilis ang mga kritikal na hakbang sa pagtugon at pagbangon matapos ang kalamidad. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the island province of Catanduanes on Thursday to inspect areas devastated by Super Typhoon Uwan and oversee continued assistance to affected residents.

President Marcos went to the Tubli Elementary School in Barangay Tubli, Caramoran municipality, where he inspected the classrooms damaged by Super Typhoon Uwan and those damaged by Super Typhoon Pepito a year ago.

Tubli Elementary School has 739 learners and 30 staff personnel. Of its 23 classrooms, one was totally damaged, 14 sustained major damage while the rest had minor damage as a result of Super Typhoon Uwan.

The President donated two units of Starlink internet satellite to Tubli Elementary School and the Caramoran local government unit.

President Marcos proceeded to inspect the damaged houses and the seawall in the same barangay.

Caramoran has reported 558 totally damaged houses and 2,127 partially damaged houses.

In Barangay Tubli, where the seawall helped protect the coastal community, there were 158 totally damaged and 370 partially damaged houses while nearly all motor bancas were destroyed during the super typhoon.

Following the whole-of-government approach, President Marcos instructed government agencies to continue to provide relief and assistance to typhoon-affected residents and help them recover as soon as possible.

The assistance includes the Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to provide cash assistance to residents whose homes were destroyed or damaged by Super Typhoon Uwan.

The President said all national government agencies and affected LGUs continue to coordinate relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

President Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1077 on November 5 declaring a one-year national state of calamity to facilitate critical disaster response and post-disaster recovery measures. | PND

“Alam ko, bago mag-Pasko, makukulong na sila. Wala silang Merry Christmas.”

Sinabi ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. nitong Huwebes na karamihan sa mga kinasuhan kaugnay ng katiwalian sa mga proyektong pang-flood control ay makukulong bago sumapit ang Pasko, bilang bahagi ng kanyang administrasyon sa pagsusulong ng pananagutan at hustisya.

Sa isang press conference sa Malacañang, iniulat ng Pangulo ang mga nagawa mula pa noong Ika-apat na State of the Nation Address (SONA) noong Hulyo 28, na nagbunga ng pagsasampa ng mga kasong kriminal laban sa mga umano’y nagwaldas ng pondo ng bayan sa mga peke at mababang kalidad na proyekto, pagpapatupad ng asset freeze orders, at pagsasagawa ng mga reporma sa mga proyekto ng pampublikong imprastraktura.

“Alam ko, bago mag-Pasko, marami dito sa napangalanan… matatapos na ‘yung kaso nila, buo na ‘yung kaso. Makukulong na sila. Wala silang Merry Christmas,” ayon sa Pangulo.

Ayon kay Pangulong Marcos, nakatutok ang mga aksyon ng administrasyon sa tatlong layunin.

Una, panagutin ang mga sangkot sa katiwalian; pangalawa bawiin ang mga ninakaw na pondo ng bayan; at pangatlo, magtatag ng mga repormang pipigil sa ganitong mga gawain.

“Kaya ‘yang mga taong ‘yan na kasabwat diyan, ito mga walanghiyang nagnanakaw ng pera ng bayan: tapos na ang maliligaya ninyong araw. Hahabulin na namin kayo,” pahayag ni Pangulong Marcos.

Binanggit din ng Pangulo ang kahalagahan ng matibay na ebidensya sa pagsasampa ng kaso, upang maiwasan ang pagkakabasura ng mga ito dahil sa teknikalidad sa batas.

“Alam ninyo kinakatakutan namin na ‘yung mga alam natin na talagang kasabwat dito sa kawalang hiyaang ito ay makakalusot sa kaso because of a legal technicality, dahil nagkamali tayo sa pagbuo Ng ebidensya, dahil hindi maganda ang pagprisinta ng kaso o nakalimutan natin ang pagpirma sa Isang dokumento.” ayon Kay Pangulong Marcos

” Kaya tinitiyak namin na pagka kami ay sumampa ng kaso, yang kasong yan hanggang dulo ay matibay ang kaso at kung sino man ang mga guilty, ay sila naman talaga ay mananagot. at kung kailangan at kung huhusgahan sila ng korte ay makukulong sila,”

Matapos banggitin ng Pangulo sa SONA ang katiwalian sa flood control projects, nagsagawa ang Malacañang ng pambansang audit at imbestigasyon, at binuksan ang “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website para sa mga ulat ng publiko.

Nagsampa na ng mga kasong kriminal laban sa mga kasalukuyan at dating opisyal ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at Commission on Audit (COA), gayundin sa ilang mambabatas at kontratista.

Ilang araw bago likhain ni Pangulong Marcos ang Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) noong Setyembre 11, nagsampa na ang DPWH at COA ng unang hanay ng kaso sa Ombudsman laban sa tatlong kontratista, kabilang dito ang St. Timothy Construction, Wawao Builders at SYMS Construction Trading.

Inilagay din ng DPWH sa blacklist ang siyam (9) na kumpanyang konektado kina Pacifico at Sarah Discaya, kabilang ang St. Timothy Construction.

Noong Setyembre din, nagsampa ng kasong graft ang DPWH laban sa 20 opisyal ng Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) at anim (6) na contractor mula sa St. Timothy Construction, Wawao Builders, SYMS Construction Trading, IM Construction Corp., at Topnotch Catalyst Builders/One Frame Construction.

Samantala, nasabi ring buwan, nasamsam ng Bureau of Customs (BOC) ang 13 luxury vehicles ng mag-asawang Discaya at itinakda ang public auction sa Nobyembre 20.

Ang Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ay kumuha ng direktang kontrol sa contractor licensing upang maiwasan ang conflict of interest, habang ang Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) ay naglabas ng pitong freeze orders na may kabuuang halaga na PhP6.3 bilyon — kabilang ang mga bank account, ari-arian, sasakyan, insurance, at e-wallet accounts — isa sa pinakamalaking asset seizures sa kasaysayan ng bansa.

Noong Setyembre 29, inirekomenda ng ICI sa Ombudsman ang unang batch ng mga kasong kriminal at administratibo laban sa 37 mambabatas, dating opisyal ng DPWH, at mga kontraktor, kaugnay ng graft, korapsyon, malversation, falsification, at plunder.

Noong Oktubre, sinampahan ng mga kasong malversation at graft and corruption ang 13 opisyal at kawani ng La Union 2nd DEO, walong opisyal at kawani ng Davao Occidental DEO, at apat na kontratista mula sa Silverwolves Construction Corp. at St. Timothy Construction Corp.

Samantala sa nasabi ring buwan, nagsampa naman ang Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) ng 12 kaso ng bid-rigging laban sa St. Timothy Construction Corp.

Noong Nobyembre, nagsampa ang Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) ng mga kaso ng pag-iwas sa buwis na nagkakahalaga ng PhP8.86 bilyon laban sa 89 na kontratista at siyam na opisyal mula sa DPWH at COA. | PND

Naglatag si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. nitong Huwebes ng iba’t ibang repormang ipatutupad ng pamahalaan para mapalakas ang katapatan, integridad, at pananagutan sa mga proyektong pang-imprastraktura ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Sa isang press conference sa Malacañang, binigyang-diin ng Pangulo na layunin ng mga repormang ito ma maiwasang maulit ang mga isyu ng katiwalian sa mga proyekto ng imprastraktura at matiyak na ang pondo ng bayan ay nagagamit nang tama para sa kapakinabangan ng mga Pilipino.

“Upang masigurong maisusulong ang katapatan, integridad, at pananagutan sa pamahalaan, nagsasagawa tayo ng mga reporma sa iba’t ibang sektor ng ating bansa,” ayon kay Pangulong Marcos.

Ipinahayag din ng Pangulo na kasalukuyang binubuo ang isang transparency portal na magbibigay sa publiko ng mas malawak na akses sa impormasyon hinggil sa mga proyekto ng pamahalaan — kabilang ang mga detalye tungkol sa mga kontratista, lokasyon ng proyekto, at estado ng implementasyon.

“Ibig sabihin, babantayan natin nang husto every step of the way. Bawat hakbang sa prosesong ito ay babantayan natin nang mabuti para ‘pag may nakita tayong hindi tama o labag sa patakaran, makikita natin kaagad at hindi na natin hahayaan na lumipas ang dalawa o tatlong taon bago ito madiskubre,” ayon sa Pangulo

Ayon kay Pangulong Marcos, ipatutupad ng kanyang administrasyon ang mga sistematikong reporma na nakatutok sa tatlong pangunahing larangan: transparency (pagiging bukas); data security (seguridad ng datos); at public involvement (partisipasyon ng publiko) sa pagsubaybay ng mga proyekto.

Kabilang dito ang mga reporma sa disenyo ng mga proyekto, na layuning mapahusay ang pagpaplano, mabawasan ang mga panganib, at matiyak na lahat ng proyekto ay batay sa datos at maayos na pag-aaral.

Binanggit din ng Pangulo ang mga reporma sa bidding at proseso ng pagbili upang mapalakas ang kompetisyon, katapatan, at integridad habang binibigyang-pansin ang mga posibleng panganib sa bawat yugto ng proseso nito.

Panghuli, reporma sa proseso ng pagbabayad para masigurong ang pondo ng pamahalaan ay mailalabas lamang sa mga proyektong nakumpleto o natapos at pumapasa sa pamantayan
.
“Dahil marami tayong nakita na ‘completed’ at bayad na pero hindi mo naman mahanap ‘yung proyekto — ghost project o substandard. Kaya’t patitibayin natin ang proseso para matiyak na lahat ng kontrata ay maipatupad nang maayos at kapaki-pakinabang,” sabi ng Pangulo

Ibinahagi rin ni Pangulong Marcos na pinag-aaralan ng pamahalaan ang paggamit ng smart technologies at artificial intelligence (AI) upang mapahusay ang pagsubaybay at pagtukoy ng iregularidad sa mga kontrata at implementasyon ng mga proyekto ng pamahala
an.

“Yung isang smart technology na gagamitin natin, titingin sa proseso ng kontrata para kapag may nakitang hindi tama ay makikita natin kaagad. Maglilista ‘yan, babalikan natin, at iimbestigahan natin kung bakit ganyan ang nangyari,” paliwanag ng Pangu
lo.

Dagdag pa ng Pangulo, gagamitin din ang mga teknolohiyang ito upang masuri ang kalidad ng konstruksiyon, matiyak na ang mga materyales na ginagamit ay akma sa tamang espesipikasyon, at ang mga proyekto ay matibay, ligtas, at epektibo. | PND

The government will boost public spending to ensure that it is aligned with the original national expenditure plan and to make up for the slower growth in the third quarter, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday.

During a press conference in Malacañang, President Marcos said several factors have contributed to the downturn in economic activity in the last quarter, which saw a below forecast 4 percent growth in gross domestic product (GDP).

Aside from the ongoing investigation and reforms in public infrastructure projects, the country was hit by successive natural disasters and typhoons, with working days lost because of climate change.

The President also emphasized that changes and adjustments in the global trade and business system have also affected the country along with other nations.

“We are not the only ones suffering the shocks that come from the new trade structure that has been imposed on the rest of the world. So we are all adjusting to that. Kaya ‘yung mga growth rate all around the world is falling,” said President Marcos.

“But marami tayong measures na ginawa. Because the public spending now will be increased to make sure that by the end of the year, the levels of public spending are according to our original plan. So, mababawi natin ‘yung nawala sa third quarter,” the President added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced Thursday various reforms aimed at strengthening integrity, transparency, and accountability in government infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

In a press conference at Malacañang, President Marcos emphasized that these reforms are designed to prevent the reoccurrence of corruption issues in infrastructure projects and to ensure that public funds are spent properly for the benefit of Filipinos.

“Upang masigurong maisusulong ang katapatan, integridad, at pananagutan sa pamahalaan, nagsasagawa tayo ng mga reporma sa iba’t ibang sektor ng ating bansa,” said President Marcos.

The President said a transparency portal is being created to provide the public with broader access to information about government projects, including details about the contractors, project locations, and implementation status.

“Ibig sabihin, babantayan natin nang husto every step of the way. Bawat hakbang sa prosesong ito ay babantayan natin nang mabuti para ‘pag may nakita tayong hindi tama na gawa o against the rules and regulations ay makikita natin kaagad at hindi na natin pababayaan na makikita lang after two, three years kagaya ng nangyayari ngayon,” the Chief Executive said.

President Marcos said his administration will implement systematic reforms focusing on three key areas to strengthen transparency, data security, and public involvement in project monitoring.

These include reforms in the design process aimed at improving project planning, minimizing risks, and ensuring that all projects are data-driven.

The President also mentioned reforms in the bidding and procurement process, aimed at enhancing competition, honesty and integrity, while addressing potential risk factors throughout the procurement process.

Lastly, the President highlighted reforms in the payment process to guarantee that public funds are released for projects that are completed and compliant with standards.

“Dahil marami tayong nakita completed, bayad na, hindi mo naman mahanap ‘yung project, ghost project. O kung may makita ka mang project, hindi kumpleto, substandard. Kaya patitibayin natin ang proseso para tiyakin natin na lahat ng kontrata ay ma-implement nang mabuti,” said the President.

President Marcos is also looking into using smart technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in monitoring and detecting irregularities in contracts and the implementation of government projects.

“‘Yung isang smart technology na gagamitin natin, ‘yung aking nabanggit, titingin sa proseso ng kontrata para ‘pag may nakitang hindi tama, makikita natin kaagad. Maglilista ‘yan, makikita natin, babalikan natin at imbestigahan natin bakit ganyan ang nangyari,” President Marcos said.

The President said these technologies will also be used to verify construction quality ensuring that the materials used meet the right specifications and that projects are effective and durable. | PND