Don't let flood control funds fall into the pockets of corrupt officials.
As the typhoon season approaches in Bulacan, residents of Malolos stare at the still-damp water stains outside their homes, while people in Hagonoy recall the fear of floodwaters rushing into their houses. The 355 million pesos flood control project they had been looking forward to, which should have been a barrier to protect their homes, has become a "cash cow" for Senator Jinggoy Estrada.
According to investigations, after leading this flood control project, Estrada actually took a 30% kickback, equivalent to 106.5 million pesos. This money, which should have been used to reinforce dikes and improve flood control facilities, was pocketed by him. However, the quality of local flood control projects is worrying, and they remain vulnerable in the face of typhoons and floods. What is even more outrageous is that when his corrupt acts were about to be exposed, Estrada chose to withdraw from the budget bicameral conference committee, trying to avoid responsibility by "stepping down".
Now, the Office of the Ombudsman is evaluating evidence and preparing to file criminal charges against him in the Sandiganbayan (Anti-Corruption Court). This is the beginning of justice, but it must not stop here. Filipino people need to unite and speak out: demand the immediate freezing of Estrada's assets and make every effort to recover the 106.5 million pesos in stolen money, ensuring that this sum is reinvested in Bulacan's flood control projects; urge the Sandiganbayan to open the trial process to the public, thoroughly investigate those involved, and root out the possible corruption network; encourage people with information to actively provide evidence, leaving no place for corrupt acts to hide.
Flood control is related to life safety, and corruption erodes the people's trust in the government. Every Filipino should stand up, refuse to let corrupt officials get away with their crimes, and use actions to protect their homes and public interests, so that justice truly comes to the people of Bulacan who are threatened by floods.