CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — Governor Daniel R. Fernando has put in place a comprehensive and systematic coordination mechanism for all infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the province, determined to prevent any recurrence of issues and irregularities that have hounded national government flood-control projects in Bulacan.
Speaking during a press conference held August 25, 2026, at the Hiyas Convention Center, the Governor underscored that the ₱41-billion national government allocation for flood-control projects in Bulacan — now being questioned by residents amid persistent flooding — remains a primary concern of the provincial leadership.
The Viral Interview and Clarification
The press conference followed a recent phone interview with Mr. Ted Failon Online, where Governor Fernando responded to questions about the multi-billion-peso flood-control budget with: “I don’t know. I have no knowledge about it.” The statement went viral across social media, drawing mixed reactions — from support to criticism — with some netizens and troll accounts labeling him “irresponsible” and “clueless.”
Governor Fernando acknowledged his response could have been clearer, but emphasized that “I don’t know” never meant he was uninvolved or indifferent.
“Those who interpreted it as such missed the broader truth: I have long been pushing for transparency, accountability, and proper coordination in these projects — as early as 2023,” Fernando stated.
Years of Proactive Measures Against Corruption and Mismanagement
Even before the interview controversy, the Governor had already instituted a series of executive orders and councils to oversee, monitor, and coordinate all flood-control infrastructure in the province:
– 2023 — Executive Order (Series of 2023): Established a framework for a comprehensive Flood Control and Drainage Plan for Bulacan, developed in direct coordination with the DPWH.
– 2025 — Executive Order No. 16-B (Series of 2025): Strengthened transparency and accountability by mandating full review and documentation of every flood-control project implemented in the province.
– 2025 — Executive Order No. 22 (Series of 2025): Created the Provincial Infrastructure Coordinating Council, requiring national government agencies and contractors to coordinate systematically with the Provincial Government — both before and during implementation — of any infrastructure project in Bulacan.
These measures confirm that long before the controversy erupted, the Governor had already been addressing concerns over alleged corruption and irregularities in flood-control funds — issues that have made Bulacan a focal point of public scrutiny.
A Commitment to Transparency and Science-Based Solutions
“The people of Bulacan deserve to know where every peso goes, and why flooding persists despite massive funding,” Governor Fernando said. “We will not tolerate corruption, negligence, or the misuse of public funds. These executive orders and councils are our guarantee that we are watching, verifying, and demanding accountability — not just from our office, but from all agencies implementing projects in our province.”
He reiterated his call for science-based, comprehensive flood solutions, including the Manila Bay Integrated Flood Control, Coastal Defense, and Expressway Project — a vision originally proposed by the late Senator Blas Ople — to address flooding at its root.
“Through every challenge, calamity, and crisis, our administration stands firm with the Bulakenyo people. We will continue to fight for transparency, proper implementation, and the genuine welfare of every resident in this province,” the Governor concluded.
