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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'We cannot stay neutral': UP supports transparency, accountability in flood control projects amid corruption reports

'We cannot stay neutral': UP supports transparency, accountability in flood control projects amid corruption reports

Published Sep 12, 2025 02:07 pm
The University of the Philippines (UP) backs calls for transparency and accountability after reports of massive corruption in flood control projects, reaffirming its commitment to integrity, fiscal reforms, and public service. (Mark Balmores / Manila Bulletin / file)
The University of the Philippines (UP) backs calls for transparency and accountability after reports of massive corruption in flood control projects, reaffirming its commitment to integrity, fiscal reforms, and public service. (Mark Balmores / Manila Bulletin / file)
The University of the Philippines (UP) has expressed strong support for transparency and accountability in government infrastructure projects following recent reports of widespread corruption in the country’s flood control initiatives.
In a statement, UP President Angelo Jimenez said the university views “with the gravest concern” the alleged massive irregularities in flood control projects, stressing that UP “cannot stay neutral” in the fight against corruption.
“We support and encourage the expression of general outrage of our citizens, in accordance with the constitutionally guaranteed rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” Jimenez said.
The UP leadership also reaffirmed its commitment to uphold integrity in its procurement processes and vowed to exhaust all legal means to ensure accountability.
“We shall employ all legal means to ensure full accountability, in fulfillment of our continuing duty to serve the Filipino people,” Jimenez said.
The University further emphasized the importance of fiscal governance reforms and greater transparency in the public sector to improve service delivery.
“Furthermore, we support the advocacy for fiscal governance reforms and greater transparency in the public sector to improve the delivery of services to our people,” he added.
Jimenez also noted that beyond expressing outrage, academic institutions must harness education, research, and training to propose practical solutions to pressing national problems.
“As the University of the People, it is our overarching moral responsibility,” he said.
UP’s stance comes amid heightened public concern over infrastructure spending, particularly in flood control projects, which play a critical role in disaster mitigation and climate resilience.
The University reiterated that corruption in public works not only undermines governance but also directly endangers the lives and safety of millions of Filipinos who rely on effective flood control systems.

Related Tags

University of the Philippines transparency and accountability flood control projects corruption Philippines UP President Angelo Jimenez government infrastructure corruption fiscal governance reforms Philippines transparency in public sector
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