Filipinos urged: Report failed, ghost flood projects directly to President Marcos now
New website lets Filipinos report anomalies in flood control projects anonymously
Manila: Do you know of failed, unfinished, or “ghost” projects, especially after recent cyclones exposed flood control deficiencies in the country?
Filipinos can now report irregularities in key projects directly to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through “Sumbong sa Pangulo,” an interactive website launched on August 5, 2025, as announced during his July 28 State of the Nation Address.
Accessible at https://sumbongsapangulo.ph/, the platform lists 9,855 flood control projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from July 2022 to May 2025.
Project types
These projects include construction or repair of cutoff channels, dikes, drainage systems, flood mitigation structures, retarding basins, revetments, slope protection, spur dikes, waterways, and embankments.
Each project entry details its location, contractor, cost, and completion date.
Citizens can use a search filter or interactive map to locate projects in their area and report issues like damaged structures, missing equipment, or incomplete work, with the option to upload photos or videos anonymously.
Anti-corruption drive
President Marcos emphasised the need for public involvement in his anticorruption campaign, noting that government agencies alone cannot monitor nearly 10,000 projects.
These projects will now be under review, potentially with inputs solicited from the public.
“We need 80 or 90 million pairs of eyes,” he said, highlighting the platform as a first step to tackle corruption. He vowed to scrutinise projects, even if it involves allies, prioritising public interest.
The initiative follows Marcos’ order for the DPWH to submit a comprehensive project list for review by Regional Project Monitoring Committees, including the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) and private partners.
The establishment of the DEPDev, formerly the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), marks a significant milestone in the country's pursuit of stronger and more future-ready economic governance.
Ghost projects
This review will identify failed, unfinished, or “ghost” projects, especially after recent cyclones exposed deficiencies.
Marcos urged Filipinos to use the platform to report issues or confirm successful projects.
“Before, people had nowhere to complain. Now, you have someone to turn to,” he said, encouraging civic participation in holding officials and contractors accountable.
Culture of kickbacks
Corruption in public infrastructure projects remains a persistent challenge here, significantly undermining socio-economic development and public trust.
It also leads to substandard projects, including roads the crack shortly after construction, and flood-control projects that turn out to be lemons.
A 2025 survey highlights corruption as a top concern for Filipinos, particularly in projects like flood control, where up to 60% of funds may be lost to graft before construction begins.
Issues such as kickbacks, overpricing, and collusion between contractors, lawmakers, and officials inflate costs by 20-30%, diverting resources from critical infrastructure like roads and flood mitigation systems.
Recent scandals, including the collapsed ₱1.22-billion Cabangan-Sta. Maria Bridge, expose substandard materials and questionable contracts, fueling public frustration.
More of the same?
While the tip-off platform aims to enhance transparency, systemic issues like weak enforcement, the gaming of the judicial system by influential families and political dynasties persist.
Most Filipinos are left grumbling, even as they demand stronger oversight and accountability to ensure public funds benefit communities, not corrupt networks, though every election leads to the voters electing the usual faces and families, leading to more of the same.
By the numbers
Key points from the report on President's concerns about flood control projects under his administration:
He highlighted that about 64% of all flood control projects lack clear descriptions or are in different locations but share the exact same contract cost, raising suspicions.
Of the total ₱545 billion budget for flood mitigation projects from July 2022 to May 2025, ₱100 billion (18%) was awarded to only 15 contractors out of 2,409 accredited ones.
Five contractors — Legacy Construction Corp., Alpha & Omega General Contractor & Development Corp., St. Timothy Construction Corp., EGB Construction Corp., and Road Edge Trading & Development Services —have projects spanning almost all regions nationwide and are under scrutiny.
Some contractors, such as Alpha & Omega and St. Timothy Construction, are politically connected.
President Marcos has not accused any contractors of wrongdoing but called the findings disturbing and emphasized the need for thorough investigation before naming individuals involved.
There is a mismatch between the provinces with the highest number of flood control projects and those most flood-prone, according to the National Adaptation Plan 2023-2025.
Over ₱350 billion worth of 6,021 projects do not specify the exact flood control type being built, and many projects in different locations have identical contract costs, which Marcos finds suspicious and unlikely.
Metro Manila leads in flood control projects with 1,058 projects totaling ₱52.57 billion, followed by Central Luzon and Bicol regions.
Despite numerous flood control projects, especially 157 pumping stations in Metro Manila costing ₱11.67 billion, the city and nearby provinces experienced severe flooding during recent typhoons, which the President attributes partly to ineffective garbage collection affecting these stations.
The chief executive stressed the ongoing investigation to ensure fairness and thoroughness, acknowledging that some complaints might be politically motivated or due to contractors losing projects.
The situation calls for careful examination to identify credible issues and act accordingly.
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