Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando issued a clarification on Tuesday regarding earlier statements where he claimed to be unaware of more than ₱40 billion in flood mitigation infrastructure implemented across the province from 2022 to 2025, a declaration that sparked online criticism.
Fernando explained that he lacked precise, complete data during the live broadcast and felt put on the spot by rapid questioning.
“Maaaring hindi pulido ang pagkakasagot ko, maaaring mas malinaw ko sana itong naipaliwanag, kaya lang sunod-sunod po yung mga tanong,” he stated.
“[Hindi] nangangahulugang wala akong alam o wala akong pakialam. Hindi rin ito patunay na kapabayaan, pagiging iresponsableng pinuno at lalong hindi ito maaaring gamiting ebidensya ng pagkakasangkot sa anumang anomalya,” Fernando added.
The governor emphasized that the provincial executive office held no oversight over the funds or operations, noting that the infrastructure initiatives were entirely managed, designed, funded, and contracted by national authorities.
“Walang massive flood control projects ang provincial government of Bulacan na katulad ng sa DPWH. Ang nasabing ₱41 billion flood control projects sa Bulacan ay wala sa direktang kontrol ng gobernador,” he clarified.
Fernando maintained that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) failed to coordinate with local officials regarding project locations and execution details.
“Nag-coordinate po sila sa amin dapat na may gagawin dito, na may gagawin doon. E bakit hindi po nag-coordinate? Kasi nga po multo,” he remarked, alluding to alleged ghost projects uncovered within Bulacan’s first district.
To address transparency concerns, the governor recalled issuing an executive order requiring national implementing agencies to secure local government approval before starting infrastructure work.
“Matagal ko nang panawagan na kailangan ng maayos na koordinasyon, transparency sa pagitan ng national government, mga implementing agencies, at mga lokal na pamahalaan. Paano magiging bahagi ng isang tunay na integrated flood control solution ang lalawigan kung kulang ang impormasyon tungkol sa mga proyektong ginagawa sa sarili nilang teritoryo?” he pointed out.