President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed strong disapproval on Friday over what he described as a clear misuse of public funds after personally inspecting flood control projects in Calumpit, Bulacan that were either substandard or never built despite being listed as completed.

While visiting Barangay Bulusan, Calumpit, the President vowed to hold both government and private individuals accountable for the unfinished and substandard flood control projects.

The Chief Executive encouraged residents to report any irregularities through sumbongsapangulo.ph, as well as to the provincial government and the media.

“Magreport kayo. Paulit-ulit n’yo i-report para alam naming lahat. Dahil hindi puwedeng ganito. Pambihira. This has been going on for years,” President Marcos said, questioning why a project supposedly finished in 2021 remained defective and incomplete.

In nearby Barangay Frances, also in Calumpit, President Marcos discovered flood protection structures that failed to meet specifications, including cement layers that were far thinner than the required eight inches.

“Hawakan mo ‘yung semento dito, kayang durugin, malabnaw ‘yung ginamit. Nagtipid sa semento,” the President said.

In July 2025, the town of Calumpit in Bulacan was placed under a state of calamity due to flooding caused by the southwest monsoon rains (habagat), overflow of Ipo Dam, and high tide.

The Chief Executive pointed out that the dredging work outlined in the contracts was not carried out, as the river is already obstructed by overgrown vegetation.

The President stressed that this type of negligence has a direct impact on communities, particularly those that are consistently at risk of flooding.

President Marcos stressed that these failures are not merely technical mistakes, but actions that endanger lives and livelihoods.

“Hahanapin natin kung sinong responsible dito sa gobyerno, sa private, at kailangan managot sila dito sa kanilang ginawa,” the President said.

“Managot sila. Huwag silang managot sa akin, managot sila dito sa mga tao dito. ‘Yung mga kahirapan na dinala nila sa mga buhay nila,” the President added.

President Marcos stressed that infrastructure reports need to reflect the reality on the ground. Under his administration, he warned that reported accomplishments that lack actual, functioning structures would not be tolerated.

“Sa report, completed lahat. Pero pagdating dito, wala. Hindi puwede ‘yan,” the President said.

The President’s visit signals a comprehensive review of other similar flood control and river protection projects in the country to ensure that funds allocated are appropriately utilized. | PND