Senator Lacson Exposes 67 Congressmen in Ghost Flood Control Projects
The situation has become truly grave. According to Senator Panfilo Lacson, 67 congressmen have been implicated in what are described as ghost flood control projects. Lacson stated that his claims are based on documents, in addition to witnesses.
Cabral Files Reveal More Details
When the so-called Cabral Files emerged, the number of alleged cong-tractors and cong-suppliers increased significantly. This term refers to congressmen who are also engaged in business, particularly in construction within their own districts or supplying materials to their districts.
Billions of pesos have been allegedly siphoned and stolen by these congressmen. Their shoddy flood control projects were washed away by the strong currents of floods.
Moral Ascendancy Questioned
Now, these same congressmen are in a hurry to initiate their so-called solemn review of Vice President Inday Sara Duterte's confidential funds through impeachment complaints filed by their allies. Do they not feel even a little ashamed to judge VP Sara when they themselves are also thieves?
Do they still possess the moral ascendancy to pass judgment on VP Sara? In legal studies, there is a principle known as those who come to court must come with clean hands. For those who filed complaints against VP Sara, are their hands clean from corruption?
Congressman Barzaga's Suspension Extended
Meanwhile, when Congressman Kiko Barzaga was supposed to return to his duties after completing the 60-day suspension imposed by the House Ethics Committee, the members of that committee decided to extend his suspension. Indeed, Barzaga has not been able to return to his position.
Congressmen are quick to discipline those who speak out against corruption, but they turn a blind eye to the corruption committed by their colleagues in these ghost flood control projects. How thick-skinned these people are.
Do the people still deserve to support such congressmen?
Political Calculations for 2028 Elections
According to a congressman friend, those congressmen who participate in the impeachment proceedings against VP Sara will certainly face problems. If they do not support the impeachment, they risk losing their budget allocations. However, if they do support it, they will also face difficulties as the 2028 elections approach, knowing that it is hard to defeat VP Sara due to her popularity.
At this time, it is very difficult to defeat VP Sara, the congressman said, because despite the criticisms against her, the high level of public trust in her continues to grow.
Potential Candidates for 2028 Presidency
Among the names that have emerged as possible candidates for the presidency in 2028, such as Riza Hontiveros and Jonvic Remulla, who might emerge as the strongest? It is likely Jonvic Remulla, the answer suggests, because he is supported by the President.
Will the President still support him even though he is not a candidate himself, since he is only serving one term? If he wants to be protected from cases after his term, the answer is that it is only fitting for him to support his chosen candidate so that he is not pursued legally. How will he provide support?
Through government aid, through government projects—this would be a significant help, it is said. Now that there is a so-called anti-epal law, which Jonvic Remulla himself pushed to implement, how will he maneuver using that method? The congressman had no answer.
