CATBALOGAN CITY — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said local government units (LGUs) will once again be required to formally accept completed national government projects in their areas, reviving a safeguard removed by the previous administration.
In a Palace press conference, President Marcos noted that LGU acceptance is crucial to ensure infrastructure projects, such as roads and flood control systems, meet proper standards.
“I was a little surprised to find out… tinanggal na iyong rule na dati na kapag may project ang national government sa isang LGU kapag tapos na iyong project kailangan i-accept noong mayor, kailangan i-accept noong governor, pati barangay captain kailangan tatanggapin iyan, titingnan nila,” the President said.
“And this is an important safeguard dahil kapag nasa LGU ka hindi mo naman pinagkikitaan iyong project. Kaya’t ang maliwanag ito’y titingnan ninyo talaga na tama na iyong kalsada ay eight inches talaga iyong konkreto, kapag may asphalt overlay ay makapal talaga iyong asphalt overlay, iyong flood control – lahat iyan,” the President pointed out.
President Marcos recalled his experience as Ilocos Norte governor, noting that local governments then had the authority to accept national projects before they could be formally declared completed.
“Maalala ko noong governor ako, walang puwedeng sabihing completed kung hindi accepted ng local government. Ibabalik natin iyon,” said the President.
“Tiinanggal nila in the last administration. We are putting it back because that is one of the best safeguards that we have,” the President emphasized.
The Chief Executive instructed all departments, particularly the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), to restore the requirement for LGU acceptance of national projects.
President Marcos has designated the chairperson and the two members of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), along with a special adviser, to investigate flood control project irregularities in the last 10 years and recommend appropriate legal action against government officials and personnel and private individuals who misused public funds.
“We are trying to move as quickly as possible. In the meantime, of course, our attention continues to be directed to the work of government, so that the infrastructure development continues,” President Marcos said.
