Palace backs stronger LGU role in inspecting flood control projects before payment

August 25, 2026

By ABOGADO.COM.PH Staff

Malacañang on Tuesday expressed support for local government units’ stronger oversight over flood-control projects being implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways, stressing that LGUs should inspect the status of projects before paying contractors.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro said this is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s push for greater coordination between the DPWH and LGUs.

Castro made the statement after Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando said around P 41 billion worth of flood control projects were not been coordinated with them.

She said Marcos was made aware of similar concerns when he inspected flood-hit areas in Central Luzon, where he learned from a barangay official that some DPWH projects were not properly reported or turned over to the LGU.

Castro said the Marcos administration wants to change this and wants LGUs to have a role in checking the status of projects before payments are made.

“Kailangan merong pong say at merong pong turnover na magaganap from DPWH to the local government para macheck bago ito mabayaran ng buo,” she said.

Castro said the President does not want LGUs to be unaware of projects being implemented in their areas of responsibility.

She said the lack of coordination, such as in Fernando’s case, may have stemmed from the manner some projects were implemented without sufficient LGU involvement.