THE Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) has expressed alarm over the massive anomalies recently uncovered in flood control projects, echoing the concern raised by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Reports of undocumented projects, identical contract amounts, and the use of substandard materials are not only clear signs of corruption, but also direct threats to public safety, industry operations, and national resilience, the FPI said.
It warned that flood control is too critical to be compromised. Fraudulent or failed projects leave communities and industries vulnerable to destructive floods that can wipe out homes, crops, factories, and supply chains.
To safeguard lives and livelihoods, the group called on the government to investigate anomalous projects and hold both the erring officials and contractors accountable, adding that designs should adhere to global benchmarks of durability and effectiveness.
The FPI also sought to institutionalize independent inspections, audits, and performance checks, with blacklisting and sanctions for non-compliant contractors; and require all construction materials, from steel and cement to pipes and geosynthetics, to meet PNS specifications.
The group emphasized that flood control must be anchored on accountability, strict monitoring, and uncompromising compliance with standards. Only then, it said, can infrastructure truly protect people, industries, and the nation’s future.
“Never underestimate the value of integrity in everything we do—especially in infrastructure. When flood control is compromised by corruption, it’s not just concrete that cracks—it’s public trust, industry stability, and the safety of our communities,” said FPI chairman Beth Lee.
The FPI welcomed the creation of the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” platform and urged both industry and citizens to report irregularities.
