Senator Proposes Ban on Politician-Owned Firms
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian announced on Monday his intention to file a legislative measure aimed at banning companies previously owned by politicians from participating in government infrastructure projects. This move comes amid growing concerns over irregularities in flood control initiatives.
“A contractor or company previously owned by politicians will be barred from joining government contracts,” Gatchalian declared, emphasizing the need to ensure transparency and accountability in public works.
Flood Control Projects Under Scrutiny
Authorities are investigating allegations that some lawmakers have used contractors as fronts to secure government infrastructure contracts. Senator Panfilo Lacson, citing an unnamed incumbent House representative, revealed that 67 lawmakers are reportedly involved in these flood control projects.
Lacson supported claims made by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who accused several solons of engaging in “ghost” or “ampaw” projects—schemes where projects are either non-existent or fraudulent.
Magnitude of the Flood Control Efforts
According to reports from the Department of Public Works and Highways, approximately 9,000 flood control projects have been implemented in the past three years, all within President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term. These figures highlight the vast scale of infrastructure efforts focused solely on flood mitigation.
“We’re talking about 9,000 projects and these are just flood-control projects,” Lacson remarked. “We’re not even counting roads, highways, and other infrastructure works.” This raises questions about the oversight and integrity of contracting processes.
Calls for Greater Transparency and Reform
Local leaders and community members are urging the government to tighten regulations and prevent conflicts of interest in awarding infrastructure contracts. The proposed ban on companies previously owned by politicians aims to close loopholes that allow political influence to compromise public projects.
As investigations continue, officials stress the importance of protecting public funds and ensuring that flood control projects genuinely serve the communities at risk.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
