MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. unveiled a new online platform, sumbongsapangulo.ph, on Monday, aimed at boosting transparency in the nation’s flood control initiatives by empowering citizens to report irregularities and monitor projects.
Speaking at a press briefing in Malacañang, Marcos emphasized the platform’s dual purpose: providing public access to detailed information about flood control projects nationwide and enabling citizens to flag issues or praise successful efforts. “We put it into a form that is accessible to the public, and most importantly, it is in a form that the public can use,” Marcos said, noting that users can locate projects in their area and provide feedback on their performance.
The initiative is part of a broader push for accountability in the government’s PHP545-billion flood control program, launched in mid-July 2022 when Marcos took office. The president underscored the importance of citizen involvement in detecting anomalies, stating, “We cannot do all of this without the help of the ordinary citizen.” He added that public participation ensures “more eyes” on projects, enhancing oversight.
Marcos encouraged Filipinos to submit complaints, observations, or positive feedback through the website, assuring the public, “Ako mismo
babasahin ko bawat isa (I myself will read each one).” He vowed that evidence of corruption, embezzlement, or other wrongdoing would prompt swift action, saying, “We want the people who have taken advantage of the system to pay.”
The launch follows Marcos’ directive in his fourth State of the Nation Address to audit flood control projects, reflecting the administration’s commitment to improving transparency and accountability in infrastructure spending. The platform marks a significant step toward engaging citizens as partners in governance, particularly in addressing challenges like flooding, a persistent issue in the Philippines.
