QUEZON CITY — Prominent lawyer and anti-corruption advocate Atty. Ferdinand Topacio has urged a comprehensive investigation into alleged anomalies in government flood control projects, warning that politicians, contractors, and officials involved must be held accountable.
At the Pandesalan Forum in Kamuning, Topacio challenged the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prove its commitment to good governance by ensuring that no one is spared in the anti-corruption drive.
“If the government is truly serious, there should be no sacred cows. Anyone involved must be held accountable,” he stressed.
Topacio, who also serves as PDP-Laban spokesperson, claimed that the awarding of flood control contracts is often dictated by political influence, with favored contractors linked to district representatives cornering key projects. He pointed out that while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) controls the design and bidding process, no district engineer or DPWH official has been investigated or suspended.
“Politicians, especially congressmen, wield considerable influence in the appointment of district engineers,” Topacio noted.
He recalled that President Marcos had earlier identified 15 contractors who allegedly secured 20 percent of all flood control projects. Despite this, Topacio questioned why the Palace rejected Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s offer to lead the probe, citing Magalong’s track record as the former PNP-CIDG chief who spearheaded the Mamasapano massacre investigation.
“Start with the district engineers — they know who really controls the system,” he asserted.
Topacio also welcomed the potential involvement of the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Office of the Ombudsman, stressing that both agencies have the authority to investigate and prosecute even lawmakers and high-ranking government officials.