Senator Bam Aquino Urges Immediate Action on Flood Control Anomalies
Senator Bam Aquino has called on government agencies to immediately address the widespread anomalies in the country's flood control projects before the public, who have not forgotten the severe flooding last year, passes judgment on them.
During his manifestation at the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on Monday, Aquino emphasized that the issue of flood control is not something that should be forgotten and buried in oblivion. As the rainy season begins, bringing floods to Metro Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, and other areas, he stressed that the weather itself reminds citizens of the unresolved corruption issue in the country.
"Hindi po nakakalimutan ang flood control… dahil meron pong magpapaalala sa atin ng flood control: ang panahon. Kapag bumabaha na po sa buong kapuluan, maaalala ng tao itong issue na ito at iisipin nila, mayroon bang nangyari?" Aquino said.
The senator urged the Department of Justice (DOJ), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Office of the Ombudsman to act with urgency.
Aquino reminded that the first anniversary of the President's mention of the issue in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) is approaching, so it is time to hold the "big fish" accountable for what he called one of the biggest thefts in the country's history.
"Mag-iisang taon na po yan, next month na po yan. Kaya wag na po nating paabutin ng isang taon, na yung pinakamalalaking isda ay hindi po nahuhuli. At sana po gawin po natin yan na wala ho tayong kinikilingan. We follow the law, we follow where the evidence lead us, at gawin ho natin yung nararapat," he said.
"Mahalaga po na seryosohin natin ito, isa po ito sa pinakamalaking nakawan sa buong kasaysayan ng bansa," Aquino added.
Alongside the call for accountability, Aquino also discussed the need for immediate assistance for earthquake victims in Mindanao, particularly the repair of schools for children.
"Napakarami pong issue, napakarami pong krisis. Ngayon lang po, nagkaroon ng earthquake sa Mindanao, at marami ho sa amin pagkatapos ng hearing na ito ay aaksyunan na rin po ang iba't ibang pwedeng gawin doon," he said.
With classes already starting, Aquino emphasized that the safety of students and the rehabilitation of damaged classrooms must be prioritized. He said that the impact of corruption and the damage caused by the earthquake both require swift action from the government.
Meanwhile, Aquino again encouraged the 18 bodyguards who have not yet faced the committee to attend the next hearings so they can testify under oath.
"Marami ho tayong tanong, at ang mga tanong natin ay para po sa 18 bodyguards na hinihikayat pa rin po nating mag-attend dito po sa ating meeting. Eventually, magiging hearing po ito at under oath, mapaguusapan po yung kanilang sinasabi at malalaman po natin ang katotohanan," he said.
In closing, Aquino stressed that true public service is proving that the law applies to everyone, especially those involved in systemic corruption. He said the future of Filipinos should not be sacrificed just to protect those who have abused public trust.
