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On August 27, 2025, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered lifestyle checks on government officials, starting with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), as more people raise concerns about suspicious flood-control projects in the country.
PBBM gave the directive after citizen complaints poured in through the Sumbong Sa Pangulo platform.
As of this morning, Philippine News Agency reported that over 9,000 reports have been logged, many pointing to substandard, incomplete, or even non-existent flood-control structures.
The Chief Executive said the checks are meant to hold officials accountable and ensure public funds are not being misused. He also ordered a thorough review of DPWH records, on top of lifestyle assessments.
PBBM personally checked 11 flood-control projects in Marikina, Iloilo, Bulacan, and Benguet, showing that Malacañang is taking the issue seriously.
The order came after Rep. Eli San Fernando of the Kamanggagawa Party-list urged the President to conduct lifestyle checks, review SALNs, and look into bank records of DPWH officials. He said that honest officials should have nothing to worry about, while those hiding something should be exposed.
These flood-control projects are being closely watched because many areas still suffer from repeated flooding, leaving people frustrated as the Philippines has seen little improvement.
The President’s move is seen as a response to public anger and a clear warning to officials that corruption will not be accepted.
What happens next?
Lifestyle checks are expected to look into whether government workers are living beyond their means, with findings compared against official asset declarations. How quickly and thoroughly these checks are carried out will likely determine whether the public views the effort as genuine reform or just lip service.
For now, the Palace has promised transparency, saying the results of the probe will help restore public trust and ensure every peso spent on infrastructure benefits the people.
Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) is a coalition of Philippine local chief executives formed in 2023 to push for accountability, transparency, and integrity in government.
It was established by mayors across the country, with its founding convenors including Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro, Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo, Isabela City (Basilan) Mayor Sitti Djalia Hataman, and Kauswagan (Lanao del Norte) Mayor Rommel Arnado. Later on, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto joined as a co-convenor.
The alliance describes itself as non-partisan and committed to ensuring that government projects and policies are rooted in the realities of communities.
Its formation brought together more than 100 mayors nationwide who signed a manifesto for good governance.
The movement stresses the role of mayors as front-line leaders, directly accountable to their constituents and positioned to understand local needs.
On August 27, 2025, the group released a statement welcoming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to require approval from local government units before the implementation of national government-funded projects.
In its statement, M4GG said the new policy recognizes the mandate of local leaders, who are closest to the daily realities of communities.
The group emphasized that for too long, projects had been planned and imposed without proper consultation, often resulting in wasted resources, misplaced priorities, and corruption.
The alliance added that requiring LGU approval affirms that public funds must be used responsibly and based on genuine consultation.
It also called on national agencies, particularly the Department of Public Works and Highways, as well as legislators, to establish mechanisms that guarantee concurrence, transparency, and accountability.
M4GG also noted that this ensures “every peso spent truly serves our people.”
M4GG continues to position itself as a significant voice in governance reforms, advocating for policies that strengthen local governments and safeguard public resources.
Manila, Philippines — A student film from La Verdad Christian College-Caloocan earned recognition on August 27, 2025, after winning at the 5th Sine Bata Awards held at The Peninsula Manila, an event by AnakTV that celebrates youth voices through film.
The entry, titled “Payapa si Christian,” was hailed as the winner under the University Students category, showcasing the creativity and storytelling talent of La Verdad students.
As part of their victory, LVCC-Caloocan will join other winners in representing the Philippines at the Southeast Asia Video Festival for Children to be held in Bangkok, Thailand on November 14 to 15, 2025.
La Verdad Christian College, with campuses in Caloocan and Apalit, Pampanga, is known for offering completely free education, covering tuition, books, uniforms, and meals through the initiatives of benefactors Bro. Eli Soriano and Kuya Daniel Razon.
Their vision has been to make quality education accessible to all, empowering young people to develop their skills without the burden of financial constraints.
The recognition at the Sine Bata Awards highlights not only the talent of the students but also the opportunities that arise when education is made inclusive and accessible.
Flooding has long been one of the most serious problems in the Philippines. Every rainy season, images of submerged streets, stranded commuters, and flooded homes dominate the news. For decades, billions of pesos have been already allocated into flood control projects, from drainage systems in Metro Manila to river dikes and pumping stations in different provinces.
Despite these efforts, the same cycle repeats itself.
Heavy rains come, streets go under water, and people ask the same question: Where did all the money for flood control go?
Several factors contribute to the problem. Many urban areas still rely on outdated drainage systems that cannot handle today’s heavier rains. Garbage and waste clog waterways, reducing the natural flow of water. Rapid urbanization has also covered large areas of soil with concrete, leaving fewer places for rain to be absorbed.
Government agencies and local governments are tasked with building and maintaining flood control systems.
However, delays, budget concerns, and project monitoring remain challenges. In a report published in July 2023, the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged thousands of incomplete or delayed infrastructure projects, often attributing these to planning, supervision, and monitoring gaps, raising questions about efficiency and implementation.
The issue has since drawn attention at the highest levels of government. On August 27, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a lifestyle check on all government officials following flood control project controversies.
In a Palace press briefing, Undersecretary Claire Castro said the president wants the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to be the first to undergo scrutiny.
“Ito naman po ay hudyat na rin po sa mga government agencies like COA, BIR, LGUs, Bureau of Customs, na magkaroon po ng pagiimbestiga dito,” she said.
When asked which agency will be first in the line of investigation, Castro added: “Hindi po natin maikakaila na mayroong mga DPWH na involve at malamang ay magsimula sila doon.”
While the government carries the main responsibility, citizens also play a key role. We can do our part by following proper waste disposal, keeping local waterways clean, and supporting community initiatives for disaster preparedness. Just as important, the public can help monitor flood control projects.
Being a watchdog does not only belong to the media.
Ordinary citizens can step forward by asking questions about project updates, attending community consultations, and reporting irregularities. This kind of participation strengthens accountability and ensures that public funds are spent where they are most needed.
Flooding is not something the government can solve alone. Real progress will only come when there is transparency from officials and active involvement from the people.
Everyone has a part to play. The media can report and keep issues in the spotlight, but ordinary citizens can also help by asking questions, monitoring projects, and speaking up when something is wrong. When people take part as watchdogs, it adds another layer of accountability and helps ensure that resources are used properly.
As the rainy season continues, this is a reminder that reducing floods is a shared responsibility. By staying alert, taking action, and working together, we can push for real solutions and build safer communities for all.
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