UP slams ‘ghost’ flood control projects, seeks fiscal reform

By Stephanie Sevillano, Philippine News Agency

FILE: University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City (Photo by Ramon FVelasquez/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA – The University of the Philippines (UP) slammed the alleged ghost flood control projects as it pushed for fiscal governance reforms to ensure accountability against “corruption.”

The statement came as both the Senate and the House of Representatives continue their investigations into irregularities in government flood control and infrastructure projects.

In a statement, UP President Angelo Jimenez said the institution cannot “stay neutral” against the “concerning” issue.

“The University views with the gravest concern the revelation of deep-seated and massive corruption plaguing the flood control projects in our country,” he said late Thursday.

Changes in the government’s procurement process must also be advanced to uphold transparency and accountability, Jimenez said.

“We support the advocacy for fiscal governance reforms and greater transparency in the public sector to improve the delivery of services to our people.”

Besides ensuring the integrity of projects and services to Filipinos, the UP head also mentioned that education has a crucial role in addressing corrupt practices in the Philippines.

“Beyond raging against corruption, we must also harness our education and training to provide solutions to the real problems of our people. As the University of the People, it is our overarching moral responsibility,” Jimenez added.

The UP, meanwhile, backed peaceful crusades and assemblies as part of the expression of “general outrage” of Filipinos against those behind the anomalous flood control projects.

“We shall employ all legal means to ensure full accountability, in fulfillment of our continuing duty to serve the Filipino people.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday issued Executive Order (EO) 94, creating the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to probe the matter.

The ICI is an independent fact-finding body mandated to “hear, investigate, and gather evidence” on anomalies, misuse of funds, and corruption in the planning, financing, and implementation of government projects, particularly flood control programs, over the past 10 years.