With a caution that discerning the truth is becoming increasingly difficult, with powerful groups at play and the situation being more complex than it seems, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto said that now that we know, that we have seen it, and that the people are waking up, “Widespread knowledge on the matter is the best first step in reducing corruption”.
Following his attendance at the House of Representatives Tri-Committee hearing, Sotto emphasized in a Facebook post that discussions on long-term reforms must eventually take place after the investigations.
His top-of-mind examples are as follows:
- Stopping widespread and illegal subcontracting;
- Ensuring Freedom of Information through full disclosure of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) documents, including Program of Works, Bill of Quantities, Detailed Unit Price Analyses, and bidding documents;
- Aligning and coordinating DPWH with local government units;
- Strengthening infrastructure and construction monitoring; and
- Streamlining the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) accreditation process.
Dr. Milwida M. Guevara of the Movement for Good Governance, in the We Deserve Better (Philippines) public Facebook group, posted a reminder that “This is just the tip of the iceberg. How many other corruption scandals have we gone through in other agencies, only to be forgotten? How many “investigations” have we witnessed with no results? Not to mention, the magnitude of “confidential funds” that have been spent and unaccounted for?”
“Stolen money. Ghost projects. Shouldn’t we get a refund on our taxes?” said Guevara.
“Are we powerless against corruption?” Akbayan Partylist Representative Chell Diokno asked in a Facebook reel, promptly answering his own question with a resounding no.
He went on to explain that anyone who is aware of anomalies listed under Republic Act No. 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, may report them to the Office of the Ombudsman, along with evidence and other pertinent information.
In a calm yet bold manner Diokno said “Lahat tayo may papel sa laban kontra korpsyon…Kaya share niyo ‘to [reel] para mas maraming Pilipino ang makatulong linisin ang gobyerno.”
(We all have a role in the fight against corruption… so share this [reel] to help more Filipinos take part in cleaning up the government.)
“Democracy is not something you just smell and enjoy. You fight for it,” Professor Solita Monsod said during an “Usapang Real with Luchi” interview with journalist Luchi Cruz Valdes.
Asked why she doesn’t seem to tire of her five-decade battle for good governance, Monsod said: “It’s a long, long fight…No kidding, you’ll find it corny, I think, the Philippines, is the only country I have.”