PBBM wants flood control probe body to have ‘subpoena power’

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

FILE: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspects the area where a riverwall project was supposed to be constructed in Baliwag City, Bulacan on Aug. 20, 2025. (PCO Photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will grant the independent commission investigating flood control issues the authority to issue subpoenas, Malacañang said Thursday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the subpoena power will enable the independent fact-finding body to summon the individuals involved in the anomalous flood control projects.

“Nais po ng Pangulo na magkaroon ng subpoena power ang independent commission na ito (The President wants the independent commission to have the subpoena power),” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

“Ang nais po ng Pangulo sa nasabing independent commission ay mabigyan ng lakas, mabigyan ng ngipin para po mas mapatupad ang kung ano ang mandato ng independent commission na ito (The President wants the independent commission to be empowered, to be given teeth, so that it can better carry out its mandate).”

Castro said the issuance of an executive order establishing the independent body on flood control probe is now being finalized.

She acknowledged that some individuals, including contractors linked to the so-called “ghost” flood control projects, may still leave the country since no charges have been filed against them as of now.

“Sa ngayon po, since wala naman kasing kaso pang naisasampa, hindi talaga natin mapipigilan ang sinumang lumabas ng bansa dahil may freedom of movement po tayo at ‘yun ay nire-respeto (Right now, since no cases have been filed yet, we really can’t stop anyone from leaving the country because we have freedom of movement and that is respected),” she said.

Castro said Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has taken prompt action, including seeking an immigration lookout bulletin order against agency officials and contractors linked to anomalous flood mitigation projects.

Dizon has also ordered the perpetual blacklisting of contractors Wawao Builders and SYMS Construction Trading following the discovery of nonexistent flood control projects in Bulacan province.

He has also directed the dismissal of and the filing of criminal charges against DPWH Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara due to his involvement in the anomalous flood control projects.