Offense Taken Over Flood Control Project Probe
House Deputy Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong expressed strong disapproval after Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong described the flood control project probe as a “moro-moro.” This four-word keyphrase, “flood control project probe,” was central to the controversy, as Adiong emphasized its sensitive implications for Muslim communities.
As a Muslim himself, Adiong urged the mayor to avoid using terms with deep historical meanings and instead focus on presenting factual evidence. “Sweeping labels damage the reputations of members who are doing the work in good faith and full view of the public,” he remarked.
Historical Weight of ‘Moro-Moro’ Term
Adiong elaborated on why the phrase “moro-moro” carries historical baggage. It originates from Spanish-era folk dramas portraying conflicts between Christians and Moros, embedding colonial stereotypes and prejudice. Although often used to describe sham or staged acts, many in the Muslim community find the term offensive when used in public discussions.
He stressed, “As a Muslim, I take offense at the casual use of the term ‘moro-moro’ to describe an investigation. Words carry history. We can debate corruption with vigor, but we should never trivialize the struggles of Moro communities by turning that term into an insult.” Adiong also appealed to Mayor Magalong to be more sensitive in his language, stating, “If you believe some House members are guilty, name them and present the proof. Do not condemn the entire House. Let’s not all do it. Many of us are innocent and are just working for our constituents.”
Calls for Concrete Evidence in Flood Control Project Probe
Meanwhile, Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante, chair of the human rights committee, echoed the call for evidence-based discussions. He stressed that any accusations related to the flood control project probe should be supported by verifiable documents and sworn testimonies. “If he believes some are guilty, name names, submit documents, and testify under oath. That is how we clean up the system,” Abante said.
Similarly, Representatives Rolando Valeriano and Richard Gomez urged Mayor Magalong to specify which lawmakers he suspects are involved. Valeriano insisted on naming names rather than making broad accusations against the House members.
Magalong’s Allegations on Corruption and Lawmakers’ Role
Although Gomez did not directly mention Magalong, past interviews revealed the mayor’s claims that lawmakers influence the appointment of district or regional engineers in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This influence allegedly facilitates collusion among lawmakers, engineering officials, and contractors.
Magalong reportedly shared that contractors and sources told him lawmakers receive between 30 to 40 percent of contract prices, highlighting the depth of alleged corruption.
House Resolution to Investigate Flood Control Projects
In response to these concerns, the House of Representatives adopted a resolution authorizing the committees on public accounts, public works, and good government to investigate the DPWH’s implementation of infrastructure projects, with a special focus on flood control initiatives.
Committee on Public Accounts Chair Terry Ridon filed House Bill No. 145 on August 12. He explained that the tri-committee aims to uncover irregularities in flood control projects, which could lead to more extensive investigations, including possible connections between lawmakers and contractors.
As the flood control project probe intensifies, officials and community members alike call for transparency, accountability, and respect for cultural sensitivities in public discourse.
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