Abalos Demands Criminal Charges for Substandard Bulacan Flood Projects

Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos has demanded criminal prosecution for those accountable for substandard flood control projects in Bulacan province, accusing them of systematically failing to protect residents from inundation. Acting on direct presidential orders from Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Abalos and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon conducted inspections of the problematic infrastructure, which Abalos characterized as evidence of gross negligence and abuse of provincial resources.

The Cabinet secretary's strong stance reflects mounting frustration over repeated flooding incidents in Bulacan, where residents have borne the consequences of infrastructure shortcomings. Officials linked to the defective projects face potential criminal liability as the administration escalates its response to what it views as gross mismanagement of public funds intended for disaster mitigation.

The inspection initiative signals heightened oversight of infrastructure projects nationwide, with the administration signaling zero tolerance for substandard work on critical flood management systems. The ongoing investigation is expected to identify specific officials and contractors responsible for the failed projects, laying groundwork for formal charges.