15 firms corner ₱545-B flood control projects

₱350 B of these undertakings have no exact specifications – PBBM

- BY BETHEENA UNITE

President Marcos has found disturbing statistics in the overall flood control projects in the country, including the distribution of 20 percent of projects nationwide to only 15 contractors.

Marcos held a press conference on Monday morning, Aug.11, to reveal several key points of the ongoing investigation of flood control projects, and to announce the roll out of a website dedicated for the probe and assessment, which includes a citizens' report mechanism.

In revealing the initial findings, the President said, "I think it is interesting for people to look into so that it can be a guide as to where maybe the problem has risen."

20% of all projects went to only 15 contractors

Twenty percent of the entire P545-billion flood control projects were awarded to only 15 contractors, Marcos bared, adding that five of them had contracts around the Philippines.

This piece of information, Marcos said, stood out the most and must be closely investigated.

"This is another disturbing assessment, statistics: 20 percent of the entire P545 billion budget went to only 15 contractors. Of the 15 contractors, five of them have contracts nationwide," Marcos bared. "And this is what I was talking about. Five of these 15 contracts have projects in almost all regions nationwide." The President, however, considered localized justifications in choosing contractors, explaining that the implementation of the project would be faster and well-communicated if a local contractor would do it.