President Marcos blasts flood control corruption during SONA: “Mahiya naman kayo!”
• During his SONA, President Marcos Jr. delivered a scathing indictment of corruption in flood control projects, citing "failures," "collapsed" structures, and "imaginary" projects that worsened recent flood devastation
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• The President explicitly called out euphemisms for illicit financial schemes in public works, such as "kickbacks" and "ghost projects," receiving a standing ovation for his candor
• Marcos ordered the DPWH to submit a public list of all flood control projects from the past three years for audit, vowing that legal charges would be filed against culpable officials and contractors
• He appealed for justice for those affected by floods, emphasizing the burden on future generations due to debts incurred from misused public funds
In a forceful address during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) today, Monday, July 28, 2025, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. launched a scathing condemnation of pervasive corruption plaguing the Philippines' flood control projects.
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He castigated officials and contractors who allegedly exploit these vital public works, contributing to the widespread devastation seen during recent weather disturbances.
The President's remarks came just days after parts of the archipelago endured extensive flooding triggered by the southwest monsoon and the onslaught of Typhoons "Crising," "Dante," and "Emong."
Marcos revealed that his personal inspections of affected areas yielded distressing findings: numerous flood control structures were either "failures," had "collapsed," or worse, were mere "imaginary projects."
"Let us stop pretending," President Marcos declared, abandoning diplomatic pleasantries. "The entire public already knows the racketeering going on involving these projects—'kickbacks,' 'initiatives,' 'errata,' 'SOP' (standard operating procedure), 'for the boys.'"
These terms, commonly understood euphemisms for various forms of illicit payments and padded expenses in government contracting, were explicitly called out as he exposed the systemic misuse of public funds.
His condemnation culminated in a powerful admonition, delivered in Filipino, that resonated deeply within the plenary hall and across the nation: "Kaya sa mga nakikipagsabwatan upang kunin ang pondo ng bayan at nakawin ang kinabukasan ng ating mga mamamayan, mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino!" (So, to those who conspire to seize the nation's funds and steal the future of our people, shame on you before your fellow Filipinos!)
The impassioned plea earned him a rare standing ovation from the lawmakers and dignitaries present.
President Marcos further appealed for justice on behalf of the countless Filipinos whose homes were submerged or swept away by floodwaters.
He emphasized the generational burden of corruption, stating, "Mahiya naman kayo sa mga kabahayan nating naanod o nalubog sa mga pagbaha. Mahiya naman kayo lalo sa mga anak natin na magmamana sa mga utang na ginawa ninyo, na binulsa n'yo lang ang pera." (Shame on you for our homes that were swept away or submerged by the floods. Shame on you especially for our children who will inherit the debts you incurred, the money you merely pocketed.)
To ensure accountability and prevent future abuses, the Chief Executive issued clear directives. He ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately submit a comprehensive list of all flood control projects initiated or completed nationwide over the past three years.
This list, he mandated, would be scrutinized by regional project monitoring committees, tasked with identifying "failures," unfinished works, and alleged "ghost projects."
Critically, President Marcos vowed that this list would be made public, inviting citizen oversight and transparency.
"The people need to know the whole truth," he asserted. Furthermore, he announced that in the coming months, legal charges would be filed against all individuals found culpable through the investigations, including complicit contractors across the country.
This strong warning underscores the administration's commitment to holding those responsible for infrastructure malpractices accountable, in a bid to safeguard public funds and truly protect vulnerable communities from the perennial threat of flooding.
Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is the 17th President of the Philippines, elected in May 2022 with a historic majority vote. He is the son of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who ruled the country from 1965 to 1986. Before his presidency, Marcos Jr. served in various public offices, including as governor of Ilocos Norte, congressman, and senator.
During his SONA, President Marcos Jr. also lightheartedly declared PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III a "new champion," adding a surprising moment of humor amidst a serious address. The President's jest was a direct nod to Torre's recent charity boxing match against Acting Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte, where Torre won by default due to Duterte's absence. Despite the no-show, the "Boxing for a Cause" event successfully raised over PHP 20 million from ticket sales and donations for victims of recent heavy rains and typhoons. The spontaneous remark, reportedly not in the President's prepared speech, provided a memorable interlude that amused the audience and highlighted the lighter side of national politics.
He also took the opportunity to announce PhilHealth’s Zero Balance Billing Program is now implemented in all government hospitals nationwide, ensuring no additional charges for qualified patients. Under this program, patients covered by PhilHealth will receive treatment and necessary medications in public hospitals at no cost, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses. The initiative aims to provide comprehensive and free medical services, especially to poor and underprivileged Filipinos who struggle with hospital bills. This reform supports the government’s broader push for universal healthcare access, complementing other health programs like free dialysis and increased aid for kidney transplants.
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