PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged local chief executives to leave “no room for corruption” in the use of the government’s disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance program (DRRAP) funds for local government units (LGUs).
In his keynote speech at the ceremonial turnover of the funds held in Malacañang, Marcos said the P8.6 billion distributed to 306 LGUs must be strictly used for disaster rehabilitation, drawing a firm red line against anomalies in public works.
"This is the people's money, intended for our fellow citizens who have been devastated by disaster. It is not a fund for profit-making, nor is it for anyone looking to enrich themselves amidst the tragedies we are experiencing," Marcos said in Filipino.
"There must be no room for corruption in this program. Ghost projects are prohibited. Commissions are prohibited. Substandard rehabilitation projects are prohibited,” he added, urging local chief executives to use the funds wisely.
The funds were earmarked for critical rebuilding efforts, including shelter and resettlement, infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public buildings, education and health services, agricultural and fisheries recovery, and social protection programs.
The president warned that anyone trying to profit from public tragedies will face the law.
Marcos said that funds were distributed based on community needs, devoid of political considerations.
“It is with trust that we hand it to you based on need — no political color considered,” he said.
Drawing from his past experience as a governor, Marcos underscored that LGUs are best positioned to understand the realities on the ground.
The chief executive noted that the first batch exceeding P6 billion has already been released, while a second batch amounting to over P2.5 billion has been approved for immediate downloading to local governments.
To ensure rapid response, the administration has streamlined bureaucratic procedures. While interventions through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund previously took eight to 11 months, the revised process cuts delivery time down to four to six months.
However, he reminded local leaders to improve their capacity to document and report disaster impacts promptly to the Office of Civil Defense and the NDRRMC to facilitate national assistance.
