President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed disappointment after seeing problems in several flood control projects in Bulacan.
He inspected the sites in Calumpit and Barangay Frances and pointed out damaged dikes that should have been fully intact. He said the contractor should visit the area to see the hardships these problems have caused for the people.
The President also noticed that about 200 meters of revetment were unfinished, even though the project report claimed it was already completed.
Because of these findings, the government will ask St. Timothy Construction Corporation to explain the issues in the River Protection Structure in Calumpit. The company is one of the top three contractors that received the most flood control project contracts from the government.
Scuba divers also checked the structures underwater and found thick silt covering the walls, making it hard to see if sheet piles were still in place. They also discovered that the beams were no longer connected to the sheet pile supports, leaving visible gaps that could weaken the structure.
In Barangay Frances, President Marcos criticized the thin and uneven cement used, and the steel parts that were not properly embedded in the ground. He also said all flood control projects should include dredging and desiltation, but local officials reported they had never seen these activities done in their area.
The President stressed that the ₱96 million project results did not match the description in the documents and the contract paid for by the government. He questioned why such problems existed despite the large budget.
He assured the public that contractors and officials involved will be held accountable. According to the DPWH, Bulacan has 668 flood control projects worth ₱6.5 billion, with the River Protection Structure rehabilitation costing ₱96.4 million.
