The Social Ethics Society condemns the widespread and systemic corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways now highlighted by ghosts flood control projects worth billions of pesos that have gone to waste and into the pockets of corrupt government officials. The Philippines has suffered from institutional failures and the most recent scandal in the country will only exacerbate the already difficult situation of the Filipino people.
The investigations done by the Office of Senator Panfilo Lacson, the hearings of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, and the recent creation of the Independent Commission om Infrastructure are important mechanisms in exposing the corruption in the DPWH. But the investigations must conclusively lead to the roots of the scandal, - the budgetary insertions done by some members of Congress meant to serve their selfish interests.
The SES, as an organization, supports the efforts of civil society in holding protests to maintain public vigilance. It is the right of every citizen to express strong sentiments against public works officials, government contractors, and all politicians they are in cahoots with who abuse their position and misuse government funds. The audacity and lack of conscience of the alleged persons involved deserve public rebuke, but more importantly, they must be charged in court and be made to pay for their crimes.