Vico pushes transparency, access to flood control documents

MANILA, Philippines — Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has called for greater transparency and wider access to technical documents of flood control projects listed on the newly launched Sumbong sa Pangulo platform.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Sotto welcomed the release of project details but said more information is needed to ensure accountability.

“Thanks to the new sumbongsapangulo.ph website, we finally have a list of DPWH flood control projects within our city… but we can’t judge the completeness or quality of the projects with just this info. We want real accountability,” Sotto said.

The website currently provides project titles, costs, completion dates and locations.

While Sotto described this as a “big step,” he said the local government cannot fully assess the projects without access to the program of works and bill of quantities.

“These documents show the exact details of a project – length, steel specifications and materials used,” he said. “If everything is complete and in order, then good. But if there are problems or deficiencies, these must be addressed.”

Sotto added that other documents such as the detailed unit price analysis and bidding papers would also be useful in evaluating the projects.

He further noted that the implementing offices – whether district-level or through the DPWH unified project management office – were not clearly identified in the online database.

The mayor said the city government is preparing a formal freedom of information request to obtain the documents from DPWH.

“With these documents, the LGU can help the national government investigate within its jurisdiction,” he said.

Directive backed

Meanwhile, both local officials and city leaders have expressed strong support for President Marcos’ directive requiring local government units (LGUs) to be consulted in the implementation of national government-funded infrastructure projects.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, who heads the Metro Manila Council, said LGUs are best positioned to identify the real needs of their communities.

“There should really be LGU approval. LGUs must be consulted because we are the ones who know the needs of our cities and municipalities,” Zamora said in Filipino over radio dzMM.

He stressed that city governments have a clear grasp of flood-prone areas, sites needing pumping stations and locations where retaining walls should be constructed.

“If the DPWH suddenly enters and builds a project, how would it know where a project should be done? Which areas are more in need?” he asked, noting that some projects have been completed only to later reveal flaws due to poor coordination.

The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) also threw its full support behind Marcos’ order, describing it as a necessary step toward more efficient governance.

“The reinstatement of this practice is a clear testament to the President’s growing trust in the capacity of LGUs as genuine partners of the national government in nation-building,” the league said in a statement.

According to the LCP, giving LGUs a voice in planning and implementation would lead to better resource allocation, smoother project execution and improved public service delivery.

“Our unwavering commitment is to pursue responsible government spending that not only creates lasting impact but also strengthens public trust and confidence,” it added, pledging to serve as “true agents of transformative change” alongside the national government.

Echoing this position, the Quezon City government said the President’s order is a “vital step in ensuring that every government initiative is responsive to the needs, priorities and safety of our citizens.”

“It strengthens the intent of the Local Government Code, which mandates meaningful participation of LGUs in the planning and implementation of projects that directly affect their constituencies,” it added.

The city noted that as early as 2020, it passed an ordinance requiring coordination with its Infrastructure Committee before any project begins.

A certificate of coordination from the mayor’s office must first be secured, ensuring public consultation, alignment with local development plans and protection of citywide systems. — Janvic Mateo