Senate probe on anomalous flood control projects set on Tuesday
This was announced by Blue Ribbon panel chairman Senator Rodante Marcoleta on Saturday, who admitted that the inquiry would be a daunting task, 'considering the enormity of the multi-billion projects, and the complexity of untangling the web of corruption within the public works system.'
The senator also said that the probe will not focus solely on contractors in question but will also try to uncover the public officials who shamelessly profit from flood control.
'Sabihin n'yo kung magkano binibigay n'yo sa mga taong gobyerno para hindi kayo ang madidikdik d'yan,' Marcoleta told contractors.
(Tell me how much you are giving to government officials so you'll be blamed solely for this.)
Marcoleta emphasized how entire communities suffer from destructive flooding due to the substandard projects. This, as he called on the public to help in the Senate inquiry.
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. earlier disclosed that 20% of the total P545 billion budget of flood control projects was awarded to only 15 contractors.
'This is another disturbing assessment, statistic: 20% of the entire P545 billion budget napunta lang sa 15 na contractor. Sa 15 na contractor na 'yan, lima sa kanila ay may kontrata sa buong Pilipinas. Keep going. Ayan. Ito na 'yung listahan,'' Marcos said on Monday as he launched the website on flood control projects.
Asked if these contractors have links to sitting government executives and officials, Marcos said the administration is still looking into it.
In his last State of the Nation Address, the President vowed to ensure that those involved in anomalous flood control projects would be held accountable. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
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