In a firm commitment to combat corruption and ensure the quality of national infrastructure, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced a new directive to reform the government’s public works system. During an inspection of two failed infrastructure projects along Kennon Road, the President vowed to make the elimination of corruption a top priority of his administration.
“If there’s one thing, I will not leave this office until I fix this,” said President Marcos, who was visiting a damaged rock shed and a flawed rock netting project in Tuba, Benguet.
The President highlighted the significant economic toll of these failures. The damaged P264 million rock shed project has already resulted in a 35% loss to the local economy, and its repair is estimated to cost the government at least P500 million.
President Marcos also addressed the blatant corruption in a rock netting project, which was built despite a government ban on the practice due to its vulnerability to corruption. The President cited information from a supplier, revealing that the mesh used in the project, which was meant to protect motorists from landslides, was purchased at an inflated price. The government was charged P12,000 per mesh, even though the standard cost is only P3,200, a clear indication of a significant kickback.
To prevent such abuses, President Marcos has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to reinstate a critical standard operating procedure (SOP): local government units (LGUs) must formally accept a project before it is declared complete and released.
“That’s why that acceptance is so important,” the President said, drawing on his experience as a former governor. “Because if the local government does not accept it, it’s clear there is a problem.”
The President emphasized that these systemic changes are essential to prevent the economic losses and problematic infrastructure that directly affect the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
