President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the public on Monday that the welfare of the people will always come first, in case individuals close to him will be implicated of irregularities in flood control projects during the government audit.

In a press conference held at Malacañang’s Kalayaan Hall, President Marcos underscored that the government will pursue the investigation of questionable flood control projects but will avoid making hasty and unfounded accusations.

“This is something that is, I think, absolutely necessary. We have to clean our ranks,” the President said during the launch of the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website.

“It might be a little painful. Baka masangkot diyan ‘yung mga tao na malapit sa atin. Ngunit kahit malapit sila sa atin, mas malapit naman siguro sa puso natin ‘yung taong-bayan kaya sila ang uunahin natin,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive launched the website, sumbongsapangulo.ph, and shared the initial findings of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) review of flood control projects under the Marcos administration.

President Marcos urged other public officials to be circumspect about accusing others of corruption in flood control projects without evidence.

The Chief Executive explained that the ongoing review will involve multiple agencies, including the Department of Development (DEPDev), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Office of the President.

Acknowledging that the public’s feedback will be a vital part of the investigation, the President urged the public to use the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website to report any irregularities in the flood control projects in their areas.

“Ngayon mayroon na kayong malalapitan. Ito, ang lalapitan na ngayon ninyo, ako mismo. Dahil ako ang titingin dito araw-araw sa website natin at babasahin ko ang report na ibibigay ng taumbayan,” President Marcos said. | PND