House Commits to Fighting Corruption
House Speaker Martin Romualdez reassured Filipinos and business leaders that the House of Representatives will never tolerate corruption. He firmly pledged support for thorough investigations into any misconduct in government agencies.
In a statement on Friday morning, Romualdez acknowledged the declaration from 30 of the country’s top business groups condemning what they described as widespread graft and corruption. Their concerns focused particularly on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), local government units (LGUs), and the Commission on Audit (COA).
Business Groups Demand Independent Scrutiny
“I welcome and respect the strong statement made by our partners in the business community and civil society calling for an end to corruption in government,” Romualdez said. “Their concern echoes the very principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity that the House of Representatives has committed to uphold.” He emphasized that the House will not condone corruption in public service and that all allegations must be investigated thoroughly and decisively addressed.
He added, “I fully support initiatives for independent scrutiny and fair prosecution to ensure that those who betray public trust are held accountable under the law.” The Speaker also highlighted reforms introduced in the 20th Congress aimed at improving the budget process to restore public trust and strengthen accountability.
Calls for Independent Investigations Grow Louder
The business sector praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s strong statements against corruption but insisted that these must be matched with independent investigations. They urged that an impartial body should handle probes, prosecute corrupt officials, enforce imprisonment upon conviction, and recover stolen assets.
In a joint statement on Thursday, the groups said, “Our call, therefore, is not just to ‘moderate your greed.’ Our collective call to these corrupt officials is—please stop! Have mercy on the suffering people.” They expressed concern that corrupt officials might continue their abuses, betraying public trust and committing acts viewed as unpatriotic and sinful.
Flood Control Projects Under Scrutiny
Both the House and Senate have launched separate investigations into questionable flood control programs. However, allegations surfaced regarding possible conflicts of interest, as some lawmakers have been linked to contractors involved in irregularities.
In response, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon stated that the infrastructure committee will defer to an independent third party if investigations involve lawmakers, aiming to avoid conflicts of interest. On Tuesday, the infrastructure committee announced it would require members to disclose potential conflicts to ensure a fair inquiry.
President Marcos Condemns Corrupt Officials
Investigations followed President Marcos’ stern remarks during his fourth State of the Nation Address, where he condemned officials and contractors allegedly receiving kickbacks at the expense of communities affected by floods. “These officials and contractors should be ashamed of themselves,” the President said.
His statements came after Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson claimed that nearly half of the almost P2 trillion allocated for flood control from 2011 onward might have been lost due to corruption.
Political Links to Contractors Questioned
The President later released a list of contractors, prompting observers to note connections between these firms and politicians such as Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, Senate President Francis Escudero, and former Pasig City mayoral candidate Sarah Discaya. While Co has yet to comment, Escudero dismissed the allegations as a “demolition job.” Discaya denied the existence of ghost projects during a Senate blue ribbon committee hearing.
For more news and updates on corruption investigations, visit Filipinokami.com.
