Ridon Calls for Proof on Lawmakers Kickbacks Claims
MANILA, Philippines — Bicol Saro party-list Representative Terry Ridon urged Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong to provide solid evidence for his claims that lawmakers receive kickbacks worth 30 to 40 percent from government projects. Ridon emphasized the importance of verifying these serious allegations before drawing conclusions.
“Well, it may be very important for Mayor Magalong to mention first, and show the evidence, because these are grave accusations, accusations that lawmakers have been getting kickbacks of 30 percent to 40 percent from government projects. Because he has been speaking for several weeks, several months, providing this particular presentation,” Ridon told reporters covering the House of Representatives.
He added, “So what we want to see from Mayor Magalong, with due respect to him, is the evidence that 30 percent to 40 percent was grabbed by legislators, particularly the congressmen or senators.”
Magalong Allegations of Lawmakers Kickbacks
In an interview following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address, Magalong claimed that lawmakers influence the selection of district or regional engineers in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This alleged control, he said, enables collusion among lawmakers, engineers, and contractors to siphon funds through corrupt schemes.
Magalong shared that contractors and other sources told him legislators typically get an average of 30 percent, sometimes as high as 35 to 40 percent, of contract prices. These kickbacks, he suggested, often involve infrastructure projects, including flood control efforts.
House Committee to Investigate Kickbacks Claims
Ridon, a lawyer recently appointed as chair of the House Committee on Public Accounts by the minority bloc, expressed willingness to invite Magalong to present his evidence once the panel begins reviewing infrastructure projects. This includes assessing the effectiveness and transparency of flood control initiatives highlighted in the recent Sona.
“Well, I think as soon as we do a review, he should be invited to provide an actual presentation regarding his claims of 30 to 40 percent kickbacks because, of course, you have to be able to subject it to actual scrutiny as well as if the allegations have basis,” Ridon said.
He assured the public that no official, whether legislator or agency personnel, would be shielded if found involved. “If that’s a regional director, district engineer, undersecretary, secretary — we will not shield them, and ultimately include the contractor involved. So if he can show who these people are, then we will clap for him,” Ridon added.
Concerns Over Flood Control Funds and Corruption
The House committee’s inquiry comes amid growing concerns about the possible misuse of nearly P2 trillion allocated for flood control projects since 2011. Senator Panfilo Lacson, a longtime ally of Magalong, recently warned that up to half of these funds may have been lost due to corruption, calling for a thorough audit.
President Marcos, in his Sona, condemned officials and contractors who allegedly pocketed kickbacks from flood control projects. His remarks followed severe flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces after three successive cyclones intensified the southwest monsoon.
Marcos also championed reforms in the budget process. He vowed not to sign any national budget bill from Congress that deviates significantly from the administration’s priorities. “I will return any General Appropriations Bill that is not in line with the National Expenditures Program — even if it results in a reenacted budget,” he said.
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