The persistent flooding problem in our country is a stark indicator of the deep-rooted corruption that afflicts our public bureaucracy. Despite the allocation of trillions of pesos to flood control projects over the years, the situation has only worsened rather than solved. This clear mismanagement of public funds is symptomatic of a larger issue: the rampant misuse and misallocation of public funds.
The Senate and the House of Representatives, armed with the Power of the Purse, have a crucial responsibility to ensure budget accountability across all government agencies. While it’s commendable that they have scrutinized Vice President Sara Duterte’s budget, revealing potential political biases, they must apply the same level of courage and scrutiny to all government entities. This includes a thorough examination of the proposed budget for the Office of the President, particularly its soaring confidential and intelligence funds, which have raised significant concerns.
Public attention should not be narrowly focused on the alleged misuse of funds by the Office of the Vice President, how Ex-Mayor Alice Guo became POGO princess, and the ever-missing and out-of-sight Pastor Quiboloy. A comprehensive approach is necessary, where citizens remain vigilant about corruption across all government sectors. The broader picture reveals systemic issues involving multiple agencies, each of which demands scrutiny, reform, and accountability. The unchecked spending and lack of transparency within these agencies contribute to the inefficacy of projects meant to serve the public good, such as flood control.
Equally concerning is the deafening silence of mainstream media outlets especially the so called “investigative journalist” who went missing after PBBM came to power. Gone are the days when things went south they used their creative juices in making investigative reporting and critically educating the public. As the 2025 elections approach, media outlets have a responsibility to educate the public and promote active citizenship by providing comprehensive facts and coverage of these critical issues.
The public deserves transparent reporting and a commitment to uncovering the truth, rather than superficial coverage that glosses over the depth of the problems. Media should serve as a people’s watchdog, holding those in power accountable and ensuring that citizens are informed about the true state of governance.
The battle against corruption requires collective effort and unwavering commitment from both government officials and the public. Citizens must demand accountability and transparency, insisting on reforms that will lead to genuine change. This includes advocating for stronger oversight mechanisms, more stringent penalties for corruption, and a cultural shift towards integrity in public service. The future of our nation depends on our collective ability to root out corruption and build a more accountable and effective governance system.
