Senator Lito Lapid expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pledge to hold officials, responsible for failed flood control projects, accountable.
In his State of the Nation Address on Monday, Marcos called out individuals allegedly receiving kickbacks from government projects, especially on flood mitigation.
“Kaya sa mga nakikipagsabwatan upang kunin ang pondo ng bayan at nakawin ang kinabukasan ng ating mga mamamayan, mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino! Mahiya naman kayo sa mga kabahayan nating naanod o nalubog sa mga pagbaha. Mahiya kayo lalo sa mga anak natin na magmamana sa mga utang na ginawa ninyo na binulsa niyo lang ang pera,” Marcos said.
The President’s statement came amid widespread flooding in Luzon, caused by the consecutive onslaught of typhoons and the southwest monsoon.
Lapid praised Marcos for his direct and courageous remarks against corrupt officials.
“Ito’y nagpapakita na seryoso siya na panagutin ang mga may sala sa patuloy na malawakang pagbaha kahit may mga flood control project na bilyun-bilyon na ang gastos ng pamahalaan,” the senator said.
He added that it is time to prioritize governance that genuinely addresses the needs of the people.
“Sa mga nakaraang panahon ay nakita natin kung paanong dinomina ng bangayang pulitika ang mga balita at usapin habang tila hindi napapansin ang mga hinaing ng ating mga kababayan,” Lapid said.
The Kapampangan senator even expressed hope that Marcos will dedicate his remaining three years in office to delivering concrete solutions to the pressing concerns of the public.
During his recent visit to flood-affected municipalities in Pampanga, Lapid assured Kapampangans that he will urge Marcos to implement long-term solutions to the province’s flooding problem.