SAN PEDRO, Laguna — “Walang ghost projects sa San Pedro at matagal na nating pinablacklist ang Alpha & Omega Construction. Last year pa, bago pa ang SONA ng Pangulo, bago pa pumutok ang flood control scams.”
This was the firm declaration of Laguna 1st District Representative Ann Matibag during San Pedro’s inaugural Flood Control Summit on August 28, 2025—an event now being positioned as a national model for how local governments can confront flooding with accountability, evidence-based planning, and citizen engagement.
The summit brought together major national agencies including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Commission on Audit (COA), and the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), alongside barangay captains, city officials, and community stakeholders. Its mission: to establish a unified strategy against flooding, one of the country’s most persistent and costly problems.
“As your Representative, my foremost duty is to protect the people of San Pedro—not only from the devastating impact of floods, but also from any misuse of public funds that should be keeping our families safe,” Matibag said.
Matibag is co-author of House Resolution 33, principally sponsored by Congressman Arman Dimaguila. The measure calls for a comprehensive review of all flood-control projects along Laguna Lake and proposes a unified master plan aimed at flood prevention, water quality improvement, and dredging to expand the lake’s capacity.
“Flooding is not just an inconvenience—it destroys homes, disrupts livelihoods, and puts lives at risk,” Matibag stressed. “We need solutions rooted in science, accountability, and transparency if we are to protect San Pedro and our neighboring cities.”
To complement national reforms, Rep. Matibag unveiled a zero-tolerance local action plan that she said could be replicated in other flood-prone areas:
Independent Validation & Transparency: Joint audits with DPWH, COA, and LLDA; public scorecards with budgets, contractors, and timelines.
Strict Accountability: Administrative, civil, and criminal charges against substandard or “ghost” projects; blacklisting of erring contractors.
“Mga kababayan, tandaan ninyo — walang ghost projects sa San Pedro. Hindi puwede ang peke, hindi puwede ang palusot.” She said.
Community Safeguards: Geo-tagged documentation, citizen hotlines, and independent materials testing.
Immediate Solutions: Barangay-led desilting, creek clearing, and strict easement enforcement.
Long-Term Coordination: Integration with the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) to balance infrastructure with ecology and community welfare.
“There will be no sacred cows. Those who betray the trust of our people must face justice,” Matibag warned.
The lawmaker emphasized that San Pedro’s flood-control initiative was already in motion even before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s SONA directive on infrastructure transparency.
“Malinaw na hindi tayo sumasabay lang sa isyu. When the news about flooding placed San Pedro in the headlines, we did not wait—we acted,” she said, citing flood mapping and coordination with DPWH and city officials as early as July, after Typhoons Emong and Habagat.
“Sa San Pedro, sisiguraduhin natin na ang bawat proyektong ipapasok ay tunay, makabuluhan, at kapaki-pakinabang.” she said.
Policy experts noted that San Pedro’s summit could serve as a precedent nationwide, combining transparency tools, accountability mechanisms, and grassroots involvement.
“Mga kababayan, I know how it feels to worry every time the rain falls hard. Bilang isang ina, at bilang inyong LaguNanay, I cannot stand by knowing that many families live in constant fear of floods. Kaya naman, sisiguraduhin natin na ang bawat proyektong ipapasok dito sa San Pedro ay tunay, makabuluhan, at kapaki-pakinabang,” Matibag said.
Matibag closed her address with a call to action that extended beyond her district:
“San Pedro deserves no less than our full commitment. With your help, with unity, and with compassion, we can build a resilient San Pedro—safe for our families today, and secure for generations to come.” Matibag stressed.