Marcos Restores Local Government Oversight on Infrastructure Projects
President Marcos Jr. reinstates crucial local government oversight for infrastructure projects, establishes independent commission to investigate flood control anomalies, and redirects funds to social services.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announces infrastructure oversight reforms at Malacañang Palace
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced Monday a significant reform in infrastructure project management, reinstating mandatory local government clearance for national infrastructure projects, a safeguard previously removed during the last administration.
Strengthening Local Government Oversight
The move comes amid ongoing investigations into flood control project irregularities, highlighting the administration's commitment to enhanced accountability in public works.
"We are putting it back because that is one of the best safeguards that we have," Marcos emphasized during a press briefing at Malacañang.
Independent Commission Formation
The President also announced the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), tasked with investigating alleged anomalies in multi-billion-peso projects. This development follows recent revelations of potential corruption in flood control initiatives.
Key Appointments and Mandate
- Retired Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes Jr. - Commission Chair
- Former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson - Commissioner
- SGV & Co. executive Rossana Fajardo - Commissioner
- Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong - Consultant
Reallocation of Resources
In a strategic move aligned with broader government reforms in social services, funds from cancelled 2026 flood control projects will be redirected to critical sectors including education, agriculture, health, housing, ICT, labor, energy, and social programs.
"What we really want is to fix the system... We have to make it nothing less than a turning point in the conduct of governance in the Philippines," Marcos concluded.
Manny Pacquiao
Independent Filipino journalist covering democracy, civil rights, and government accountability across Southeast Asia.