PasigLaban Kabataan, a youth organization in Pasig City, has called on the public, especially the youth, to use and raise their voices against all forms of corruption and work together to end it.

The statement was issued following recent corruption issues involving flood control projects, allegedly by some congressmen and major construction companies, which were blamed for the recent severe floodings in Metro Manila.

“Sa mahabang panahon na namumutawi ang korapsyon sa Pilipinas, tila nakasanayan na ng mga Pilipino ang mamuhay kasama ito—na para bang ito’y normal at bahagi na ng ating sistema (For a long time, corruption has persisted in the Philippines, and Filipinos have learned to live with it, as if it were normal and already part of our system),” it said.

“Imbes na kasuklaman, tinanggap na lamang ito ng karamihan. Bilang mamamayan at kabataang may malasakit, dapat na itong matuldukan (Instead of rejecting it, most people have simply accepted it. As concerned citizens and youth, we must put an end to this),” it urged.

The organization also said that corruption kills, stating that “hindi lamang nito (kurapsyon) sinisira ang kasalukuyan, kundi winawasak din ang kinabukasan nating mga kabataan (Corruption not only destroys the present, but also ruins the future of the youth).”

Flood control projects, intended to protect communities from flooding, instead left many areas submerged as they failed to serve their purpose due to their substandard nature.

“Maraming Pilipino ang napeperwisyo dahil sa mga substandard na flood control projects na ipinapatayo bilang panandaliang solusyon sa problema ng baha (Many Filipinos are affected by substandard flood control projects that are built as temporary solutions to the flooding problem),” the PasigLaban stated.

“Sa kabila ng milyun-milyong pisong inilaan para rito, napupunta pa rin ang malaking bahagi sa bulsa ng mga ganid na pulitikong inuuna ang pansariling interes kaysa sa kapakanan ng mamamayan (Despite the millions of pesos allocated for these projects, a large portion has not been used effectively, with some politicians prioritizing their own interests over the welfare of the public),” it added.

The organization vowed to support the crusade initiated by the Pasig local government, led by Mayor Vico Sotto, for honest and transparent governance.

It said that, together with other local leaders and Filipinos frustrated by the long-standing mismanagement of public funds, it seeks to address these issues.

It added that decades of systemic corruption can be addressed through active participation, not only at the national level but also within local barangays.

Citizens are urged to stay critical and active, take part in available opportunities for community participation, and continue raising a collective voice against all forms of corruption.

According to the group, it is not enough for citizens to be angry or saddened by the anomalies and corruption in the country, instead, they are encouraged to make full use of their rights to ensure their voices are heard.

“Huwag nating hayaang maging karaniwan ang pagnanakaw at paglapastangan sa kaban ng bayan. Hindi ito normal at kailanman ay hindi magiging normal (We must not allow the theft and misuse of public funds to become normal. It is not normal and must never be accepted as such),” the group said.

“Mahaba man ang laban kontra katiwalian, isa itong mahalagang hakbang tungo sa mas malinis at progresibong bukas. Wakasan ang maling nakasanayan at sama-sama nating iahon ang ating bayan (The fight against corruption may be long, but it is an important step toward a cleaner and more progressive future. Let us end harmful practices and work together to lift our nation),” it continued.

PasigLaban Kabataan Inc. is a youth-powered organization in Pasig City dedicated to empowering young persons to become informed, proactive, and compassionate leaders in their communities. Through peer-led initiatives, advocacy, and collaborative projects, it creates safe, inclusive spaces where young people can engage meaningfully and drive positive change.