MANILA— The television program Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (KMJS) recently aired a special report titled “Katakot-Takot na Kurakot” that examined alleged irregularities in government-funded flood control projects across the country.
According to the report, billions of pesos allocated for flood mitigation were awarded to a small number of contractors. Data showed that of the ₱545 billion released for such projects in the past three years, about 20%—or roughly ₱100 billion—went to only 15 contractors. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had earlier raised concerns over these contracts during a Senate inquiry.
The program also inspected several flood control structures that have either collapsed or deteriorated in recent years. In Pampanga, the ₱254 million Arayat Riverbank Project was found to have structural deficiencies, including improperly installed sheet piles. In Tarlac, the Lourdes River Dike along the Parua River, which cost ₱47 million, reportedly failed just two years after rehabilitation due to the absence of steel reinforcement.
Experts interviewed in the segment noted that flood control projects are prone to corruption because certain construction elements are difficult to monitor. Former Commission on Audit Commissioner Heidi Mendoza said these “embedded items” could be used to inflate project costs. Former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno also emphasized the need for transparency during the budget process, particularly in bicameral committee deliberations where project costs may be adjusted.
In response to the issue, Senate President Francis Escudero confirmed that subpoenas were issued to eight construction firms whose representatives did not attend an ongoing Senate hearing on the matter.
Observers have underscored the importance of sustained oversight, warning that investigations may lose momentum without continued public and media attention.
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