METRO MANILA FLOOD CONTROL
Marcos: 15 contractors cornered P100-B worth of flood control projects since 2022
MALACAÑANG, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. revealed on Monday that an initial review by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) indicates a significant concentration of flood control projects, with an estimated PHP 100 billion, or 20 percent of the total, awarded to just 15 contractors over the past three years.
The President cited a preliminary report from the DPWH, which stated that PhP545 billion in public funds has been allocated to flood control initiatives nationwide since July 2022. “I don’t know about you, but that is a very big number. By any measure, that is an enormous number,” President Marcos stated during a press conference.
Out of 2,409 contractors identified by the DPWH for both local and national flood control projects, a disproportionate amount of the budget was channeled to a select few. “20 percent of the entire 545 billion budget napunta lang sa 15 na contractors. Sa 15 na contractor na ‘yan, lima sa kanila ay may kontrata sa buong Pilipinas,” the Chief Executive noted.
The 15 contractors identified by the DPWH as having bagged the most flood control projects include:
- Legacy Construction Corporation
- Alpha & Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corp.
- St. Timothy Construction Corporation
- QM Builders
- EGB Construction Corporation
- Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc.
- Centerways Construction and Development Inc.
- Sunwest, Inc.
- Hi-Tone Construction & Development Corp.
- Triple 8 Construction & Supply, Inc.
- Royal Crown Monarch Construction & Supplies Corp.
- Wawao Builders
- MG Samidan Construction
- L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc.
- Road Edge Trading & Development Services
Of these, five contractors reportedly have projects in “almost all regions nationwide.”
President Marcos has since ordered an ongoing audit to further investigate why such a large percentage of projects went to only 15 contractors, highlighting particular concern for the five firms that secured contracts across nearly the entire country. He drew a parallel to his time as Ilocos Norte governor, where local government units typically engaged local contractors to facilitate better coordination and faster project implementation.
While emphasizing that these are initial findings and no accusations are being made, the President encouraged the public to come forward with relevant information. “It gives us an idea of what, how this has been conducted. So, I hope the people will take advantage of this. And as I said, there is always a way for them to give their comments,” he added.
This directive follows his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28, where he ordered an audit of flood control projects under his administration, condemning corruption that contributes to recurring flash floods during heavy rains.
