Philippines President Marcos warns officials against corruption in ₱8.6B disaster fund

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has warned local government officials that they will face legal consequences if they misuse funds from the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program (DRRAP). During a ceremonial turnover at Malacañang, the president emphasized that the ₱8.6 billion allocation must be used to help disaster-affected residents rather than for personal gain.

The funds are intended for 306 local government units (LGUs) hit by typhoons, earthquakes, and the Kanlaon Volcano eruption. The assistance covers the repair of roads, bridges, public buildings, and evacuation centers, as well as support for housing, education, healthcare, and agriculture.

Marcos specifically cautioned against the use of ghost projects, unauthorized commissions, and substandard rehabilitation work. He noted that the DRRAP provides direct financial assistance to LGUs, offering them the flexibility to prioritize interventions based on local needs that national agencies may not be able to fill.