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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Dapat sila mahiya': Pangilinan wants independent body to probe 'ghost' flood control projects

'Dapat sila mahiya': Pangilinan wants independent body to probe 'ghost' flood control projects

Published Aug 28, 2025 09:06 pm
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan voiced out his support for the creation of an independent commission to investigate alleged anomalous flood control projects worth trillions of pesos.
Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan (Senate PRIB photo)
Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan (Senate PRIB photo)
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Baguio on Thursday, Aug. 28, Pangilinan emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in ensuring that public funds are properly spent and vulnerable communities are protected from flooding.
“We support the creation by law of an independent investigative body that will look into these trillion pesos worth of corrupt flood control projects,” he said.
This was in full backing of Senate Bill (SB) No. 1215 filed by Senator Vicente Sotto III. The measure seeks to create an Independent People’s Commission (IPC) to investigate anomalies in all government infrastructure projects.
The senator also suggested that the commission be led by respected figures such as former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Rogelio Singson, and Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong.
“Dapat sila ay mahiya. Dapat sila ay parusahan kung sino pa yung nagkasala eh sila pa ang galit (They should be ashamed. They should be punished—those who are guilty are the ones acting angry),” Pangilinan said.
“Dapat habulin itong mga nangungurakot ng mga ghost projects. At suportado natin si Pangulong BBM dito na binubusisi nya ng husto (These people stealing through ghost projects must be pursued. And we support President BBM here for thoroughly scrutinizing this),” he added.
Pangilinan also threw his support behind President Marcos' call for lifestyle checks on all government officials amid the controversy.
“Tama yan. Suportado natin ‘yan… Para makita sino-sino ba ‘to (That’s right. We support that… So we can see who these people really are),” he said, as he pointed out social media posts showing the lavish lifestyles of relatives of those allegedly involved in the ghost projects.
He urged Filipinos to stay vigilant and expose public officials flaunting unexplained wealth.
“Isiwalat sa social media ganon din itong sobrang garapalan at sobrang sa halip na ma-inspire, nasuka dahil doon sa mga pinakikitang kayamanan galing sa nakaw (Expose on social media those who are being blatantly excessive—because instead of inspiring people, their flaunted wealth stolen from the people is making others sick),” Pangilinan said.
The senator also questioned DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan’s continued stay in office despite the controversy.
“Trilyong-pisong halaga ng flood control ghost projects: Ang tanong, bakit hindi pa nagre-resign ang secretary? (Trillions of pesos worth of flood control ghost projects: The question is, why hasn’t the secretary resigned yet?)” he asked.
“Dahil dalawa lang yan: Nalusutan ka ng trilyong pisong kurakot o kung ‘di ka nalusutan, kasabwat ka, involved ka. So, it’s either incompetence or corruption. Either way, bakit ka pa nariyan? (Because it can only be one of two things: either you were blindsided by trillions worth of corruption, or if you weren’t, you’re an accomplice and involved. So, it’s either incompetence or corruption. Either way, why are you still there?)” he added.

Related Tags

Kiko Pangilinan Flood control flood control project Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
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