August 25, 2025 | Pasig City, Philippines
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto welcomed the new “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website as a useful tool to map and monitor flood control projects in his city but stressed the need for more detailed information to hold officials accountable for incomplete or substandard work.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Sotto said the platform provided a working list of flood-related projects implemented by various offices, including DPWH district units and the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO). “It’s a good start, but not yet enough,” he wrote, adding that some projects are minor drainage works while others are large-scale infrastructure.
To get a clearer picture, the mayor said his office will file a Freedom of Information (FOI) request with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to obtain copies of key documents. These include the Program of Works (POW), Bill of Quantities (BOQ), Detailed Unit Price Analysis (DUPA), and bidding records. Such files will clarify who implemented each project and whether proper procedures were followed.
“Website data alone does not clearly identify which DPWH office is responsible for each project,” Sotto said. “With complete records, the local government can help the national government investigate and ensure accountability.”
Sotto also mentioned plans to involve civil society groups for long-term monitoring once the information is gathered.
The Sumbong sa Pangulo portal was launched shortly after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed during his July 28, 2025 State of the Nation Address to scrutinize substandard flood control works. The site currently lists 9,855 projects nationwide, searchable by location, type, and budget year, and allows citizens to submit photos, videos, and reports.
