Bulacan Flood Control Projects Under Investigation for Alleged Anomalies
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MALOLOS, BULACAN – Recurring floods continue to plague Bulacan province despite billions of pesos invested in flood control infrastructure. A recent Senate inquiry and a review of government contracts have revealed potential irregularities in the allocation and implementation of these projects, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
Years of Flooding, Billions Spent
Bulacan, situated in Central Luzon, has long been susceptible to flooding, especially during typhoon season. Despite substantial financial commitments to mitigate this issue, large areas of the province remain underwater with each critically important rainfall. From 2021 to 2024, Bulacan received a total of P43.5 billion in contracts for flood control initiatives, according to Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s privilege speech on August 20, 2025.
Flood control responsibilities are shared between national and local governments. The Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) manages major projects on principal rivers and basins,while local governments oversee smaller-scale works on creeks and minor waterways,as outlined in DPWH Order 25 (2015). All contracts examined by President Ferdinand marcos Jr. on August 11, 2025, fall under the DPWH’s purview.
Disparities in Project Allocation
An analysis of contract data reveals a significant disparity in project allocation across Bulacan’s cities and municipalities. Baliwag City leads with P6.02 billion across 87 projects, despite a flooding hazard map indicating that much of the city is not highly vulnerable to flooding.
Did You Know?
hazard maps are crucial tools for identifying areas most at risk of flooding, guiding resource allocation for effective disaster preparedness.
President Marcos recently visited Baliwag to investigate a citizen’s complaint regarding a fully paid, yet non-existent, P55-million riverwall project. He characterized the situation as “falsification” due to its reported completion status. The Baliwag City government has denied any involvement in the alleged “ghost project.”
San Jose del Monte City, the province’s largest city, secured the second-highest allocation at P3.63 billion (47 contracts), despite also being classified as not highly susceptible to flooding. Balagtas (P3.25 billion, 45 contracts) and Guiguinto (P3.07 billion, 49 contracts) followed closely behind.
Top Recipients of Flood Control Funds
| City/Municipality | Allocation (PHP Billion) | Number of Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Baliwag | 6.02 | 87 |
| San Jose del Monte | 3.63 | 47 |
| Balagtas | 3.25 | 45 |
| Guiguinto | 3.07 | 49 |
| Hagonoy | 3.05 | 43 |
| Malolos | 3.04 | 45 |
The flood-prone town of Hagonoy received P3.05 billion for 43 projects, while the provincial capital, Malolos City, was allocated P3.04 billion for 45 projects. Other significant recipients include Plaridel (P2.5 billion, 41 projects) and Meycauayan City (P2.44 billion, 39 projects).
Concerns have been raised regarding projects in Calumpit, where alleged “ghost projects” linked to contractor Wawao Builders have been flagged.
Pro Tip:
Regularly monitoring project implementation and comparing physical progress with financial reports can definitely help detect potential irregularities.
District-Level Discrepancies
Bulacan’s 2nd District secured the largest share of flood control funds, totaling nearly P9.9 billion, or 22.74% of the province’s total allocation. This district, represented by Congresswoman Tina Pancho, encompasses Baliwag, Bustos, and Plaridel. The Pancho family has a long history of political dominance in the area, with C.M. Pancho Construction Inc. also securing road projects in Bulacan.
The 1st District followed closely with P9.89 billion (22.73%), covering Hagonoy, Malolos, Calumpit, Bulakan, Paombong, and Pulilan, and represented by Danilo A. Domingo.The Sy-alvarado family previously held this congressional seat for decades.
The 5th district, represented by Congresswoman Agatha Paula A. Cruz, received P9.39 billion (21.58%). In contrast, the 3rd and 4th Districts received significantly less funding, accounting for only 8.69% and 9.88% of the total, respectively.
Bulacan Vice Governor Alex Castro expressed surprise at the scale of the flood control projects, emphasizing that their implementation is managed by the national government and does not directly involve the provincial government.
What steps can be taken to ensure greater transparency in the allocation of flood control funds? And how can local communities be more effectively involved in monitoring project implementation?
The issue of flood control in Bulacan highlights a broader challenge faced by many regions in the Philippines – balancing infrastructure advancement with effective disaster risk reduction.The country’s vulnerability to typhoons and climate change necessitates strategic investments in resilient infrastructure and clear governance. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation of flood control projects are crucial to ensure their effectiveness and prevent the misuse of public funds.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bulacan Flood Control Projects
- What is the total amount of flood control funds allocated to Bulacan from 2021-2024? P43.5 billion.
- Which city received the largest allocation of flood control funds? Baliwag City, with P6.02 billion.
- what is the role of the DPWH in flood control projects? The DPWH manages major projects on principal rivers and basins.
- What are “ghost projects”? These are projects that are reported as completed but do not physically exist.
- How are local governments involved in flood control? They are responsible for smaller-scale works on creeks and minor waterways.
- What is DPWH Order 25 (2015)? It outlines the guidelines for flood control responsibilities between national and local governments.
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