Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio slammed President Ferdinand “ Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s promise to jail “big fish” in corruption cases by Christmas, saying the administration’s anti-corruption drive has been marked by weak pursuit, selective prosecution, and lackluster arrests.
Tinio argued that the failure to hold top officials accountable stems from allowing Marcos Jr. himself to evade scrutiny and shield his closest allies from investigation.
Both whistleblower former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo and fugitive ex-Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co have alleged that kickbacks were paid to the President.
Meanwhile, former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan was permitted to leave the country, while former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, former DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and former DOJ Usec. Jojo Cadiz were quietly removed from Malacañang but have remained silent.
Tinio said that despite these allegations, the Ombudsman has not opened investigations. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee lost interest once the trail led to Malacañang, and the House terminated its probe early.
“Even certain influential members of civil society have opted to engage Pres. Marcos Jr. on “meaningful reforms” rather than seriously interrogate him and his cabinet on their role in the flood control scam. Walang malaking isda dahil ginusto nila yan,” he said.
He added that if Malacañang is not held accountable, neither will the leaders of the House and Senate. “They are the big fish who enabled the unprecedented plunder of DPWH funds over the past three years.”
According to Tinio, the administration’s script may eventually lead to charges against a senator or two, some members of Congress, a handful of contractors, and lower-level functionaries. After that, the President could declare victory and move on.
But Tinio warned that the public will not be satisfied with scapegoats. “Expect even bigger protests next year. What people truly demand: Lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot! Baguhin ang bulok na sistema!’ (ZIA LUNA)
