Presidential son and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos. Photo by LYN RILLON
MANILA, Philippines — Presidential son and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos has agreed with calls for a third-party probe into alleged anomalies in flood control projects, saying Congress cannot investigate an issue linked to some of its members.
In an ambush interview on Wednesday, Ilocos Norte Rep. Marcos said it would be prudent to wait for the results of the executive branch’s investigation, especially since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has already released a list of names and figures related to the projects.
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Despite this, Rep. Marcos maintained that the House can still play a role in supporting the investigation.
“I actually agree … Why would a body investigate itself? I think it would be wise and prudent for us to wait as to what the executive has to say, and what their actions are with regards to the president’s speech in the Sona (State of the Nation Address). I think we shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves,” he told reporters.
“The president already released certain names and figures in his press con the other day, I think what will be happening in the next few weeks — although the House I believe should assist in being able to identify where the anomalies are — I think it will be primarily the prerogative of the executive to be able to identify where these anomalies lie, given the fact that again, the accused so to speak is within our, within the legislature,” he added.
When asked whether the House committee on public accounts’ hearings on flood control projects would be a waste of time, Rep. Marcos said an investigation is not the only way the chamber can assist the executive branch.
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“I don’t know. We’ll have to see […] There are different angles that could be taken when talking about the House assisting the executive, it’s not just about the anomalies of the flood control project. It’s about the waste management in Metro Manila that causes the flooding,” he said.
“There are plenty of things to be probed that are not solely reliant or do not rely upon the anomalies that the executive spoke about. The House can assist in many, many other ways,” he added.
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The committee on public accounts, led by Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, has begun hearing reports from agencies involved in flood control projects, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
On Wednesday, Ridon said three House committees will review the list of contractors released by President Marcos, which included the chief executive’s report that 15 contractors secured more than 2,000 of the 10,000 flood control project contracts.
READ: House tricom to probe flood control projects
According to Ridon, the inquiry may begin with President Marcos’ list to determine whether the 15 contractors he named have undertaken completed projects, delayed projects, substandard projects, or, worse, ghost projects.
Contractor issues
Senior Deputy Speaker David Suarez agreed with Rep. Marcos regarding the need for a third-party investigator, noting also that Congress cannot investigate itself.
“Oh, absolutely.I think we need a third party to look into it because, you know, if Congress initiates the investigation, people will say that we’re investigating ourselves. So there should be a third-party investigator,” he said in Filipino.
Suarez also urged anyone claiming to have evidence of lawmakers allegedly colluding with contractors—or contractors themselves, such as Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong—to come forward with a list.
He acknowledged that some lawmakers have links to contractors, adding that he maintains a list of his own.
“Yeah, well, I think Mayor Benjie Magalong should come out with a list. Because it’s unfair naman, di ba, to come out with statements that may ganito karaming congressmen na ganito, gan’yan.But you have to show who these congressmen are, right?You can’t just be out there destroying the name of the institution without actual factual basis,” Suarez said.
“I think I do have a list of my own,” he added when asked if he knew some lawmakers who are also contractors.
Infrastructure projects, particularly those involving flood control, are under scrutiny by various bodies after President Marcos condemned government officials and contractors accused of receiving kickbacks, saying they should be ashamed of themselves.
READ: Sona 2025: Marcos on corrupt people in flood control deals: ‘Shame on you’
His remarks came after Sen. Panfilo Lacson warned that nearly half of the country’s almost P2 trillion in flood control funds since 2011 may have already been lost, prompting calls for a thorough review of the projects.
READ: P1 trillion for flood control likely lost due to graft – Lacson
Lacson’s warning was prompted by flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces caused by three successive cyclones that struck the country and intensified the southwest monsoon.
President Marcos later released a list of contractors, and observers quickly noted links between some of them and lawmakers, including Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co and Senate President Francis Escudero.
READ: Escudero denies P150-B budget insertions, cries demolition job
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Co has not released a statement, while Escudero said such insinuations are only a “demolition job” against him.
Escudero came under fire after several news reports cited documents alleging he inserted P142.7 billion for flood control projects into the 2025 national budget during the bicameral conference committee deliberations, just before the measure was ratified by Congress and signed by President Marcos./mcm
