Manila Rep. Calls Out Baguio Mayor
“Show up or shut up.” This bold challenge was issued by Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante to Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong amid the latter’s persistent claims linking certain House lawmakers to questionable flood control projects. The four-word keyphrase flood control projects has become central to this heated exchange and the ongoing investigation.
Abante, who chairs the House committee on human rights, urged Mayor Magalong to “do the honorable thing: appear at our hearings, name names, submit documents, and testify under oath.” According to sources close to the House, Abante emphasized that tangible results outweigh empty rhetoric.
Mayor Magalong Stands Firm Against Accusations
Despite the mounting pressure, Mayor Magalong refused to apologize for describing the upcoming House tri-committee probe on flood control projects as a “moro-moro” or political drama. This remark drew criticism from Mindanaoan lawmakers, especially Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, who highlighted the term’s sensitive historical connotations for Muslim communities.
Magalong countered by asserting that Congress should be the one apologizing “because of what they are doing to the Filipino people.” He questioned the legitimacy of the investigation, asking, “I don’t know where that probe would lead.” Community leaders noted that Magalong’s stance reflects his distrust in the inquiry’s true intentions.
House Lawmakers Demand Accountability
In response, Abante accused the mayor of “unfairly eroding trust” and reminded everyone that he does not hold a monopoly on good intentions. “We also want to find out who is profiting off the suffering of our countrymen,” officials reported him saying.
Abante challenged Magalong’s courage, pointing out that the mayor appears brave only when facing the media but hesitates to appear before Congress. “If he is truly concerned about the Filipino people, then let him have the courage to appear in Congress,” local leaders urged.
House Adopts Resolution to Investigate Projects
Last Wednesday, the House plenary adopted Resolution No. 145 through a voice vote. This resolution tasks an inter-agency committee to scrutinize flood control projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The probe focuses on allegations that some politicians received kickbacks, manipulated public bidding, or covertly controlled companies that won multimillion-peso government contracts.
Officials reported that this investigation places several House members linked to these flood control projects under intense scrutiny. The inquiry underscores the government’s effort to eliminate corruption and ensure funds are used properly.
Senator Highlights Corruption in Flood Control Funds
The inquiry gained further momentum after Senator Panfilo Lacson, in a privilege speech, revealed findings from his office’s investigation. He reported that only about 40 percent of flood control project funds are actually spent on construction, while the remaining 60 percent are lost to corruption schemes.
Among the projects mentioned was one in Naujan town, Oriental Mindoro, within the district of Representative Arnan Panaligan. The contractor involved was Sunwest Inc., co-founded by Representative Elizaldy Co. of AKO Bicol, community members observed.
Looking Ahead: Transparency and Justice
The ongoing investigation into flood control projects highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in government infrastructure spending. Both local leaders and lawmakers agree that exposing corruption and ensuring proper use of public funds are essential to protecting Filipino communities vulnerable to natural disasters.
As the probe unfolds, the public watches closely to see if key figures, including Mayor Magalong, will heed calls to testify and provide evidence. The four-word keyphrase flood control projects remains at the heart of this critical national issue.
For more news and updates on flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
