- ICI and Blue Ribbon Committee losing steam
- West Philippines Sea issue used as coverup
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte raised concerns about what he described as the sudden silence surrounding the alleged trillion-peso flood-control anomaly, questioning whether the issue is “being deliberately pushed out of public attention.”
In a recent statement, Duterte noted that only months ago, investigations into the controversial flood control spending were gaining traction.
The lawmaker cited developments such as ongoing investigations by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which have been looking into the matter.
“Just months ago, the nation was demanding answers. There were investigations. And then, suddenly, it disappeared—quiet, without explanation, without resolution,” Duterte said.
He pointed out that recent news, such as impeachment proceedings and diplomatic tensions over the West Philippine Sea, might have distracted people’s attention from flood control spending.
“Is this a coincidence, or is this a diversion?” the congressman asked, emphasizing that Filipinos should not forget unresolved questions about how public funds were allocated from 2023 to 2025.
Duterte also raised concerns over the country’s growing national debt, which he pegged at P17.647 trillion, describing it as the highest in Philippine history.
He questioned whether massive borrowing was justified and whether funds were spent effectively, particularly on flood control projects.
Duterte argued that several flood control initiatives, instead of serving as safeguards against disasters, have become symbols of inefficiency and alleged corruption.
He warned that if public attention continues to shift away from the issue, the controversy may fade from national discourse without being fully resolved.
“The Filipino people deserve more than distractions,” Duterte said. “Accountability cannot be erased by noise, nor can corruption disappear just because it is inconvenient to confront.”
Duterte maintained that while public discussion can be stopped, the truth about the alleged anomaly cannot be erased.
