The Pasig City Government has yet to detect ‘ghost’ or substandard flood control projects, as the local government’s review of its national projects continues.

RH Edniel Parrosa reported on Monday, October 20, that Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, along with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes, and Pasig City lone district Rep. Roman Romulo, inspected the Ilugin Creek in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City.

Based on the report, the creek was filled with water hyacinths, a reason for the local government and MMDA to fear that it might clog the water from flowing during heavy rains. Moreover, the city government’s water pumping station also cannot operate properly due to the water lilies.

With this, the MMDA and local government staff are present for the clearing operations in Ilugin Creek, under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s “Bayanihan sa Estero.”

According to Artes, the agency has cleaned up 23 estuaries, but is targeting to reach 50 in total before the end of the year.

No ghost projects reported

During the clearing operations, Sotto was asked about the local government’s initiative to review the flood control projects in their area. The former responded, stating that they have yet to flag ghost or substandard flood control projects.

“Ongoing naman po ang review. Kung ghost, wala naman po siguro. Wala pa po kaming nakita. Kung may alam ang tao, pwede naman po nilang i-report sa Mayors for Good Governance,” he explained.

“Nagbukas po kami ng hotline, makikita naman po iyon sa FB page ng M4GG, hindi lang para sa Pasig ‘yon,” he added, urging the public to report any substandard project they see.

Civil society groups and volunteers from the city hall are also there to assist the Pasig City LGU in monitoring and reviewing the flood control projects in the said area.

However, this initiative is not limited to Pasig City, as the Mayors for Good Governance also extend to other cities. Among its members are Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora.