Marcos warns LGUs against corruption in P8.6-B disaster funds

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday warned local government units (LGUs) against corruption in the use of P8.6 billion in disaster funds, saying those who profit from the suffering of their fellow Filipinos would face legal consequences.

Marcos issued the warning during the ceremonial turnover of Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program (DRRAP) funds to disaster-hit LGUs at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace.

The national government has allocated P8.6 billion in rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance to 306 LGUs to help them recover from the impacts of typhoons, earthquakes and the 2024–2026 Kanlaon Volcano eruption.

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READ: Relief group calls out government for ‘underutilized’ disaster funds

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“Pera po ito ng taong bayan at para ito sa mga kababayan nating nasalanta. Hindi ito pondo para pagkakitaan at hindi rin ito pondo para [sa] sinumang gustong magpayaman sa gitna ng ating mga nararamdaman na trahedya,” he said.

(It is the people’s money and is intended for our fellow Filipinos who have been affected by disasters. This is not a fund to profit from, nor is it a fund for anyone who wants to enrich themselves amid the tragedies we are experiencing.)

“There must be no room for corruption in this program. Bawal ang ghost project. Bawal ‘yang mga komisyon. Bawal [ang] mga substandard na rehabilitation project,” he added.

(There must be no room for corruption in this program. Ghost projects are prohibited. Commissions are prohibited. Substandard rehabilitation projects are prohibited.)

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Marcos said the first batch of more than P6 billion had been released, while the second batch of more than P2.5 billion had already been approved and was being disbursed to LGUs.

The funds are intended to support rebuilding damaged roads, bridges, public buildings, and evacuation centers, as well as restoring agriculture, housing, education, health services, and local livelihoods.

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During his speech, Marcos also urged LGUs to strengthen their capacity to document and report disaster impacts to the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, saying timely and comprehensive reports would help the national government assess communities’ needs and provide targeted assistance.

He called on local officials to use the funds wisely and serve their constituents with honesty and diligence, warning that anyone who attempts to take advantage of disaster victims for personal gain would be held accountable.

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“Anyone who tries to profit from the suffering of our fellow Filipinos will face the full force of the law,” Marcos said. — Katherine Cielo Guimera/INQUIRER.net trainee