PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said no fresh funds would be allocated for the government’s flood control projects in the 2026 national budget.

Marcos, in the latest episode of his “BBM Podcast,” noted that P350 billion meant for flood mitigation initiatives for this year has yet to be spent.

“We are already seeing that all the flood control projects that should be included in the 2026 budget are probably not needed. So, there will be no budget for 2026 for flood control. Because there is still P350 billion for 2025 that has not yet been spent,” he said.

The President, however, said this does not mean there is a complete halt to flood control efforts, especially the defective ones and those declared “paid and completed” but are non-existent.

“It doesn’t mean we’re going to stop the flood control projects. It means, we’re going to make sure now that the cost is right, the implementation is right, [and] the design is right... And then how do we do this? What I’m saying is, I’m interested in talking to the contractors to finish it. They have to fix it then we’ll talk after that,” he said in English and Filipino.

“But before that, they have to fix it, build it up to specification. At their cost. Don’t expect the government to pay for it. They need to fix their projects,” he added.

Independent commission

To ensure transparency and accountability, the Chief Executive said he is adamant about personally investigating the flood control mess despite ongoing inquiries by the Senate and House of Representatives.

Marcos halts flood control budget; new commission to investigate expected 'in 48 hours'

Marcos maintained that the probes being done by Congress were the prerogative of the lawmakers and would not hinder the Palace from launching its own.

“We will have the independent commission. We will organize it. We will support it fully. And all the other organs of government, I’m sure will play their part in finding the truth to all of these — all of these anomalies,” he said.

In a separate interview, he did not appear surprised to hear the allegations of Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II and wife Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, who claimed before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee that they were forced to pay kickbacks to congressmen and officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“We will examine all the allegations that have been made. What’s really been coming out here since this investigation started is that this has been going on for a long time. The depth of the mold is really deep in the system. This kind of corruption has been institutionalized. And if we will look at the allegations that have been made, it started in 2003,” Marcos said., This news data comes from:http://www.erlvyiwan.com

“So, this has been going on for 21 years. And that is why it’s so deeply seated within the system. All of these allegations will be examined,” he added.

He reiterated that no one would be spared, not even his political allies.

“The truth has to come out,” he said.

Marcos also vowed to go after the “big fish” or influential individuals involved in the numerous irregularities related to infrastructure projects using public funds, which has gone on for decades.

“Because if you don’t remove the players, you won’t be able to dismantle the system. So, we will remove those players, whoever they are, so that we can correct the system,” Marcos said.

No nonsense in Blue Ribbon Committee

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Tuesday said the investigation to be conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee will be “no-nonsense” and “receipt” based.

Lacson is the incoming chairman of the committee after a major revamp in the Senate leadership following the ouster of Sen. Francis Escudero as Senate chief.

The Blue Ribbon panel or the Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations is tasked to investigate alleged irregularities in government.

Lacson, now with the majority bloc, replaced Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who had just finished on Monday the third public hearing on the alleged anomalous flood control projects.

The senator said that the no-nonsense approach will apply to the claims of contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who have linked some lawmakers and officials to corruption.

“First of all, I will look for receipts. I will not rely on the say-so of others hook, line and sinker. In my privilege speeches, I do not rely on mere reports or testimonies. Instead, I ask myself what evidence do I have to support what I will say?” Lacson said in Filipino in a radio interview.

He vowed to look into the supposed ledgers and vouchers containing the amounts supposedly given to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and lawmakers.

He said that to ensure fairness in the investigation, he will be on the lookout for “selective” testimonies from the Discayas and other resource persons.

Lacson said he will start where the previous Blue Ribbon Committee hearings on the flood control projects left off.

No conflict

Lacson said he does not see any conflict with the work of the independent commission to be formed by Malacañang, since the Blue Ribbon Committee’s work is in aid of legislation.

The senator said he will even furnish the independent committee with evidence gathered during the Blue Ribbon panel probe, to help in the prosecution of those found liable.

“If we find evidence we will pass it to the independent commission. I have talked to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon about this,” he said when asked if the Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry will clash with that of the independent commission.

Lacson said he has furnished DPWH Secretary Dizon with evidence based on his first privilege speech.

Marcos halts flood control budget; new commission to investigate expected 'in 48 hours'