Former Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” B. Abad criticized President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address for not adequately addressing the flood control controversy, even though the speech began with a pledge to hold those responsible accountable.
During a forum at the Ateneo School of Government following the address, Abad urged the president to outline concrete budget discipline and accountability reforms to prevent future scandals.
He also warned that the administration has a narrow window to implement major governance reforms before political focus shifts to the 2028 elections.