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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Labor group to join Sunday protest, urges lawmakers linked to flood control mess to take a leave of absence

Labor group to join Sunday protest, urges lawmakers linked to flood control mess to take a leave of absence

Published Sep 20, 2025 07:17 pm
The #StopKorap ribbons line Taft Avenue as teachers and citizens prepare for the nationwide anti-corruption rally on September 21, 2025. (Photo from ACT)
The #StopKorap ribbons line Taft Avenue as teachers and citizens prepare for the nationwide anti-corruption rally on September 21, 2025. (Photo from ACT)
A federation of labor unions and organizations urged all public officials implicated in the flood control project controversy to take a leave of absence amid the ongoing investigation into the allegations of corruption, and called on their members to join the Sunday indignation rallies.
At the same time, the Philippine Trade and General Workers Organization (PTGWO) is also calling on both the Senate and the House of Representatives to stop their respective investigations and allow the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to do its job.
PTGWO national president Arnel Dolendo said that its officers and members will be joining the indignation rally against corruption, scheduled in various venues on Sunday, Sept. 21.
“We are calling on all of our members, our workers toiling day in and out, to join the expected millions of Filipinos who will join the rallies condemning the massive corruption in the anomalous billion flood control projects,” said Dolendo.
“With our show of force, we will send our plain and unmistakable message, which is for the gross and unabated corruption in public works and all government projects to stop,” he added.
In calling for the Congress to give way to the ICI, Dolendo explained that it is inappropriate for some of the lawmakers implicated in the flood control mess to be part of the legislative inquiry.
“It does not look good that those implicated are the ones investigating the flood control anomalies. That’s basic, they should inhibit for the sake of delicadeza. Let the ICI conduct the investigation,” said Dolendo.
President Marcos created the ICI to ferret out the truth and hold accountable those involved in the flood control mess. Former Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes, Jr. was named chairman, with former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Rogelio Singson and SGV audit firm partner, Rossana Fajardo as members.
Taking a leave of absence, Dolendo said, is a common practice even in the labor sector in order for those being investigated not to influence the outcome of the investigation.
‘It is ironic that Manuel Bonoan was asked to resign and the DPWH officials in Bulacan were dismissed from their job. Congressmen and senators who were implicated should take a leave of absence to convince the public that the investigation is clean, transparent and impartial,” said Dolendo.
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