Manila, September 2 (AP) - The Philippine president, alongside Congress, is delving into potential large-scale corruption concerning flood control projects. These investigations could involve public works officials, engineers, construction firms, and politicians in a nation particularly susceptible to typhoons.
The House of Representatives' infrastructure committee initiated a nationally broadcast hearing on Tuesday. Concurrently, the Senate's influential Blue Ribbon Committee resumed a distinct investigation on Monday. Here, senators interrogated a private contractor who, while denying any misconduct, faced probing over her family's ownership of at least 28 luxury vehicles.
Concerns Over Corruption Magnitude - Representative Elajiah San Fernando emphasized that given the extensive budget of over 308 billion pesos (USD 5.4 billion) allocated this year for flood control and water resource development, the potential corruption scale could be staggering. Addressing those involved in irregularities or "ghost projects," San Fernando issued a stern warning about Congressional intentions to hold them accountable, potentially leading to imprisonment.
Back in July, consecutive typhoons and seasonal monsoon rains triggered severe flooding, impacting millions, displacing over 300,000 individuals, damaging nearly 3,000 homes, and causing substantial losses in infrastructure and agriculture. At least 26 fatalities were reported due to these weather events.
Unjust Burdens on Ordinary Citizens - "When it floods, it's not the wealthy engineers, politicians, or contractors who suffer," San Fernando pointed out, "It's the ordinary Filipino who bears the brunt first." House member Walfredo Dimaguila Jr. attributed recurrent flooding in his Laguna province to poorly executed projects meant to alleviate flooding in metropolitan Manila.
He presented videos showcasing schools and houses inundated by knee-deep floodwaters, with villagers navigating the waters, some using small wooden boats.
Presidential Outrage Over Flood Control Failures - Following recent provincial inspections revealing substandard flood control works, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Monday the formation of an independent commission to investigate and prosecute corruption related to these initiatives.
Marcos highlighted that over 6,000 of the 9,000 flood control endeavors since his term began exhibited inadequate or questionable specifications, warranting further scrutiny. A newly created website for the public to report suspicious activities has received numerous complaints.
"My frustrations are growing," Marcos stated to the press after inspecting a supposed completed riverbank project in Bulacan, a flood-prone region north of Manila. Contrary to reports, the project showed no signs of completion, according to Marcos.
Contractor Denial Amidst Scrutiny - During the Senate session on Monday, Senator Jinggoy Estrada questioned how private contractor Sarah Discaya, once a dental clinic receptionist turned overseas nurse, amassed significant wealth via construction ventures that secured numerous government contracts, including several for flood control.
"Astonishing," remarked Estrada upon learning of Discaya's ownership of high-end vehicles. "I've never heard of one person or couple owning such a vast collection of these luxury cars before."
Under thorough examination, Discaya insisted neither she nor her husband engaged in corrupt practices to secure projects from the Department of Public Works and Highways, long suspected of shady dealings.
While specific allegations against Discaya remain unmade, another contractor, Mark Allan Arevalo, chose not to respond to inquiries about "ghost" projects, citing his right to avoid self-incrimination.
Corruption and flood control project concerns have increasingly captured public concern in the Philippines, with Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of the Catholic Church urging the youth to "expose injustice" and "make corruption shameful once more." (AP) GSP
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