Certainty of Punishment Urged for Flood-Control Failures
Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson emphasized the need for certainty of punishment to address corruption and negligence in flood-control projects. Speaking on the issue, he warned that without firm consequences, erring contractors and their government collaborators will simply resume their malpractice.
“The most effective mechanism is the certainty of punishment. Someone must be held accountable… [We have to see] culprits actually getting punished,” Lacson said during an interview with local media. His call highlights the urgency for tangible action following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent directive.
President Orders Audit and Accountability
During the State of the Nation Address, the President mandated a thorough audit of all flood-control initiatives. This includes exposing failed and ghost projects and pursuing legal charges against those responsible.
Lacson stressed the importance of converting this order into concrete steps. “After the auditing of flood control programs to see which of them are failed or ghost projects…what is needed now is to convert the president’s order into concrete action, to hold accountable not just the contractors but also their accomplices in the government,” he said.
Billions Lost Amid Flood-Control Failures
The senator also renewed his call to review the government’s flood-control efforts, revealing grave concerns about the misuse of funds. Since 2011, almost P2 trillion has been allocated to these programs, yet nearly half may have been lost to corruption.
“This failed to stop floods from affecting Filipinos. We need to see where we can improve in terms of preparation, planning and implementation,” Lacson remarked. “We also cannot discount that of the P2 trillion in allocations, P1 trillion may have ended up in some people’s pockets.”
Moving Forward with Transparency and Justice
Local leaders and experts echoed the call for transparency and strict enforcement of accountability. They argue that only through decisive punishment can the cycle of corruption end, and effective flood-control measures be put in place to protect vulnerable communities.
For more news and updates on flood-control projects and government accountability, visit Filipinokami.com.
