In a statement issued Friday, Duterte said transparency measures have already been undertaken, including the public release of a consolidated list of DPWH projects amounting to approximately ₱49 billion covering the same period.
“These projects were implemented, constructed, and officially certified as completed by the DPWH,” Duterte said, stressing that the records are supported by agency certifications and completion reports.
The lawmaker issued the clarification amid renewed scrutiny and media reports citing alleged “leaked” budget documents linking certain legislators and officials to DPWH project requests during earlier budget cycles.
Duterte challenged media organizations to go beyond recycled allegations and instead focus on a comparison between appropriated funds and the actual projects implemented on the ground, particularly in relation to ongoing flood control project controversies.
“If the media truly intends to uncover the truth behind the flood control project anomalies, it should stop chasing recycled allegations and instead scrutinize where the trillions of pesos in flood control funds actually went,” Duterte said, pointing specifically to areas under the Marcoses and the Romualdez.
He emphasized that accountability should be anchored on verifiable outcomes rather than lists of proposed projects.
“Facts, certifications, and completed projects speak louder than leaked lists and selective narratives,” Duterte added.
Flood control projects have come under intensified public scrutiny following reports of massive allocations in recent national budgets, raising questions about implementation, project quality, and the existence of certain line items. Duterte maintained that for Davao City, records clearly show that projects funded during the 2020–2022 period were carried out and completed.
The lawmaker reiterated that transparency efforts will continue and that official DPWH documentation remains available for verification.
"AYAW NAMO UG TANAW UG LAYO MGA TAGA LUZON NGA MEDIA KAY NAA RA SA TUGKARAN NINYO ANG KORUPSYON!"