Marcos Launches ‘Sumbong Sa Pangulo' Website to Crowdsource Reports on Flood Control Projects
'This is something that everybody can use,' Marcos said during the launch. 'Kung maganda yung naging project, kung hindi maganda yung naging project, bakit hindi maganda… ano ang naging problema.'
The upgraded portal, now on its third iteration, allows users to search by barangay, view projects via street and satellite maps, and send feedback. Initially, the database contained only raw coordinates; now, barangay-level addresses are provided to help residents physically inspect sites.
Marcos shared initial findings from the government's flood control audit, pointing to irregularities such as missing project descriptions, identical contract costs for projects in different locations, and contractors operating across multiple provinces.
'Imposible 'yan,' he said. He also noted mismatches between provinces with the most projects and those officially identified as most flood-prone.
The President revealed that 20 percent of the national flood control budget has gone to just 15 contractors since mid-2022. Five of these firms hold contracts in nearly all regions.
'Sa 15 na contractor na yan, lima sa kanila ay may kontrata sa buong Pilipinas,' Marcos said, questioning the justification that contracts are intended to benefit local firms. He named the top five firms but stressed, 'We are not accusing anyone of anything yet. However, it gives us an idea of how this has been conducted.'
The website launch fulfills a pledge Marcos made in his fourth State of the Nation Address last month, when he ordered a full audit of flood control projects following monsoon rains that flooded parts of Metro Manila.
In that address, Marcos issued one of his strongest rebukes of alleged corruption since taking office:
'Mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino. Mahiya naman kayo sa mga kababayan nating naanod o nalubog sa baha. Mahiya naman kayo lalo sa mga anak nating magmamana sa mga utang na ginawa n'yo.'
Marcos called on the public to take an active role in monitoring infrastructure, stressing that citizen oversight is vital to preventing misuse of public funds.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Filipino Times
an hour ago
- Filipino Times
DILG bans online gambling among personnel, LGU officials
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has prohibited all its personnel and local government officials from accessing or engaging in any form of online gambling. In Memorandum Circular No. 2025-082, issued Tuesday and effective immediately, the DILG said the directive covers all its employees, attached agencies, elected local officials, and local government workers. The agency cited reports that some government officials and employees were involved in online gambling, which it said undermines the integrity and credibility of public service. Referring to a 2016 memorandum from the Office of the President, the DILG noted that merely entering or being present in gambling casinos constitutes 'conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service' unless related to official duties. It added that the rise of accessible online gambling platforms now poses an equal, if not greater, threat to ethical standards in government. 'Public office is a public trust. Engaging in online gambling undermines the credibility of our institutions and diverts public servants from their sworn duty to serve with integrity, competence, and loyalty,' the DILG said. Violators face possible administrative and/or criminal charges under applicable laws and regulations. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines has urged the government to declare all forms of online gambling illegal, calling it a 'deep and widespread moral crisis.' Meanwhile, a bill filed by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian seeks stricter regulation of e-gambling, citing its negative impact on families. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., returning from a state visit to India, said he plans to convene a 'conclave' of stakeholders, including the Church, educators, parents, police, and addiction experts, to discuss solutions to online gambling. He emphasized that an outright ban may not be the immediate answer. Malacañang said the President would take time to consult affected sectors before making a final decision. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro stressed the need for a comprehensive study and dialogue before any major policy change is implemented.
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Filipino Times
Palace Urges Public Not to Overreact to Vice Ganda Jetski Joke
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro has called on the public not to be overly sensitive about comedian and host Vice Ganda's recent joke about riding a jet ski to the West Philippine Sea and the Hague. Castro clarified that the remark was part of a concert skit and drew parallels to a similar statement made by former president Rodrigo Duterte, which he later admitted was a joke. 'First of all, it was a concert—it was a show. There's no need to be thin-skinned about it,' Castro said on Tuesday, August 12. She noted that Duterte himself once joked about taking a jet ski to the disputed waters, later saying that those who believed him were 'stupid.' Castro added that Duterte's comment back then had also hurt many Filipinos. 'So if it was used as part of a concert, maybe people shouldn't take it too seriously,' she remarked. She further advised that those who don't want to be offended should simply choose not to watch.
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Filipino Times
Marcos orders PNP to ensure reliable response for new 911 emergency system
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. on Tuesday directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to guarantee prompt response to calls made through the country's latest 9-1-1 emergency system. Speaking during the 124th Police Service Anniversary, Marcos highlighted that the revitalized Emergency 911 Hotline has already handled thousands of calls, ranging from police assistance to search and rescue operations. 'However, the challenge now is to ensure that—rain or shine, during ordinary days and more so, in times of crisis—there are people who will be ready to answer our people's call for help,' Marcos said. 'This is how we rebuild the trust that the police will come no matter what time, no matter what the circumstance is, they will arrive.' He added, 'We owe our people a system that they can rely on.' The new 9-1-1 system, provided by a technology firm that won a contract worth over P1.4 billion, includes features such as caller location detection, according to the police. Earlier, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged local government units to pass ordinances penalizing prank callers to the national emergency hotline.
