Malacañang on Thursday assured that the investigation into alleged anomalies involving flood control projects remains ongoing, as government agencies continue to assess projects that may have been ghost, substandard, or ineffective in addressing flooding.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are continuing their respective investigations into the alleged flood control scam.

“Tuluy-tuloy pa rin po,” Castro said during a Palace press briefing in response to a question on where the investigation would lead.

On Thursday, a former Marine who testified before the Senate Blue Ribbon committee that he brought suitcases filled with kickbacks to the homes of former Speaker Martin Romualdez and ex-Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co claimed these were false.

In his new affidavit, Orly Guteza alleged that he was swayed by ''promises'' from former Congressman Mike Defensor and Senator Rodante Marcoleta to say these.

In a statement, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said their investigation on the flood control scandal ''does not revolve around some witnesses.''

Remulla said they have 28 witnesses who are ready to present evidence on the involvement of Romualdez and Co. ''These are uniformed personnel who are still active in the service,'' Remulla added.

Castro said the Senate has turned over to the Ombudsman documents and evidence gathered during its investigation.

She added that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) could also report and refer for investigation any other projects found to be ghost projects, substandard, or ineffective in controlling floods.

“Patuloy po ang pag-iimbestiga,” Castro said, stressing that the process is intended to ensure accountability for those who may be found responsible.

The ongoing probe comes as the country, particularly Metro Manila and other areas, continues to experience flooding caused by heavy monsoon rains.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself exposed the issue of alleged ghost flood control projects during his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) and ordered a deeper examination of how public funds intended for flood mitigation were being used.

The President subsequently directed government agencies to conduct investigations and establish accountability for projects that were allegedly nonexistent, defective, or failed to deliver on their intended purpose.

The administration has since pursued both accountability measures and additional flood-control interventions, including the inspection and improvement of pumping stations, clearing of waterways and drainage systems, and the study of longer-term solutions to improve water management.

The Palace maintained that the investigation into alleged irregularities will continue even as government agencies respond to the immediate effects of the Southwest Monsoon and other weather disturbances.

Castro said any additional questionable projects identified by the DPWH could also be subjected to investigation, reinforcing the administration’s position that those responsible for projects that failed to protect communities from flooding should be held accountable. Presidential News Desk-Philippines Shimbun