Senator Kiko Pangilinan called on Filipino voters to decisively reject candidates with histories of corruption and dishonesty, emphasizing that sustainable solutions to the country’s persistent flood control problems hinge on clean and competent leadership.
“Noong unang panahon, mga pulitiko namomorsyento sa proyekto ngunit sa tindi ng pangungurakot, proyekto na lang ang namomorsyento sa pulitiko,” Pangilinan said as he pointed out that 70% of a project’s budget is being lost to corruption. “That’s not just a leak in the system–that’s a flood. No wonder our projects are delayed or substandard.”
“’Wag na po tayong naghahalal ng mga magnanakaw, mga sinungaling, mga walang kwenta, mga makasariling pulitiko.”
“Ang kinakailangan lang wag na po tayong naghahalal ng mga magnanakaw, mga sinungaling, mga walang kwenta, mga makasariling pulitiko,” the veteran legislator added.
The seasoned lawmaker stressed that the persistent problems in flood control, as seen in recent flooding across the country, are not just natural; they are also a problem of poor drainage, clogged systems, lack of maintenance, questionable infrastructure planning, and pervasive corruption.
“The pattern is clear: corruption in public infrastructure is not just inconvenient–it is dangerous, costly, and unjust.”
“Ilang taon nang pinaglalaanan ng bilyon-bilyong pondo ang flood control. Pero bakit ganito ang resulta?,” the senator asked. “The pattern is clear: corruption in public infrastructure is not just inconvenient–it is dangerous, costly, and unjust.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to championing legislation aimed at strengthening flood control programs, improving disaster risk management, and enhancing transparency mechanisms in government projects.
Pangilinan’s proposed legislation–Senate Bill No. 225 or the National Water Resources Management Act–seeks to establish a more coordinated framework for managing the nation’s water resources, enhancing flood prevention, and safeguarding communities vulnerable to climate-induced disasters.
It will also create the Department of Water Resources and the Bureau of Flood Control and Drainage.
