City mayors across the country have expressed their support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to restore the participation of local government units in the planning and execution of projects funded by the national government.
“This directive is crucial in minimizing, if not eliminating, the inefficiencies that have long plagued large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly those undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways,” the League of Cities of the Philippines said in a statement yesterday.
Mr. Marcos, during Sunday’s inspection of a “rock netting” in Benguet province, noted that during his tenure as governor of Ilocos Norte, completed projects underwent acceptance and evaluation by local officials.
“The standard operating procedure (SOP) previously was that before a project was handed over to the local government, it had to be accepted by them first. This is a practice we intend to reinstate,” the President said.
“In my experience in local government, we check and inspect government projects every single day. Not just once in a while, every single day we walk around and go around to hear reports from ordinary people — not just from officials,” Mr. Marcos added.
San Juan Mayor and LCP president Francis Zamora said the reinstatement of the policy serves as a clear indication of the President’s increasing confidence in the capability of LGUs as partners of the national government in nation-building.
He said this policy change will facilitate more efficient and effective project execution, optimal resource utilization, and ultimately, improved public service delivery.
“We assure our national government agencies that you can count on the cities’ support—as a source of local knowledge, as a facilitator of stakeholder consultations, and as a force multiplier in monitoring government-funded projects,” Zamora said.
“We share your vision of better serving our people. Our unwavering commitment is to pursue responsible government spending that not only creates lasting impact but also strengthens public trust and confidence,” he added.
Earlier, close to 50 mayors have asked President Marcos to unmask, prosecute, and if proven guilty, jail the politicians, government officials and contractors who lined their pockets from substandard or even “ghost” flood-control deals.
The Mayors for Good Governance – led by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Isabela City Mayor Sitti Hataman, said corruption in flood-control projects has become “more alarming, pervasive, and systematic.”
“The Filipino people have waited long enough. Families have suffered unrelenting floods and landslides. Transparency is no longer optional, but a duty we owe to every Filipino,” the local officials said.
“Our position is clear: Full transparency and genuine accountability now. Those who have stolen public funds must face the full force of the law. Once proven guilty, politicians and bureaucrats must not only be removed from office, but also prosecuted and jailed.”
Magalong earlier said at least 67 lawmakers were involved in flood-control projects, with some getting kickbacks as much as 30 to 40 percent of the budget.
Over the weekend, Senator Panfilo Lacson said some members of the Upper Chamber may also be tied to the controversy surrounding anomalous and “ghost” flood control projects.
“I am not saying it’s just members of the House. It is possible that some senators introduce insertions for such projects, and may even profit from the 25 percent share for the ‘funder’ or proponent of the insertions from the flood control project costs,” Lacson said in a radio interview.
“I’ll put it this way. There may be senators and House members who may be connected to anomalous flood control projects,” he added.
