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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Apa Ongpin's appeal makes sense to Terry Ridon

Apa Ongpin's appeal makes sense to Terry Ridon

Published Oct 21, 2025 04:08 pm

At A Glance

  • Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon saw sense and wisdom in Makati Business Club (MBC) Executive Director Apa Ongpin's call for fairness and due process in the ongoing probe on alleged flood control project irregularities.
Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon (PPAB)
Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon (PPAB)


Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon saw sense and wisdom in Makati Business Club (MBC) Executive Director Apa Ongpin's call for fairness and due process in the ongoing probe on alleged flood control project irregularities.
Ridon, in a statement Tuesday, Oct. 20, says Ongpin’s remarks reflect a “balanced and principled view” on the issue at a time when public discourse has been clouded by speculation.
“Mr. Ongpin’s statement is a timely reminder that the rule of law—not rumor—must prevail,” noted the House Infrastructure Committee (infra comm) overall chairman.
“We welcome his call for due process because it ensures that investigations are based on facts, not politics," added Ridon, a lawyer by profession.
Ridon emphasized that no one—whether in the executive branch, the legislature, or the private sector—should be exempt from scrutiny when public funds are involved. He said all institutions and personalities must be given both the right to be heard and the duty to cooperate with lawful investigations.
He noted that various officials have already extended their cooperation to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), and encouraged others to do the same.
“Let the institutions work independently and let the truth come out through evidence,” Ridon said. “That’s how justice is served—and how trust in government is rebuilt.”
Ridon led two hearings in the House of Representatives on the flood control projects corruption scandal in his capacity as infra comm overall chairman.
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