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.