IN WHAT LOOKS more like a message directed to trusted lieutenants whose names were dragged as architects behind the trillion-peso scandal embarking on ghost flood control projects, the President seemed eager at seeing allies serving some time behind bars.
During the first part of the fifth episode of BBM Podcast, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that resigning does not absolve one from culpability.
“That’s not enough. There is a great deal of damage that has been caused, not only financial damage or economic damage, but actual damage to people’s lives.”
“I mean, very simple – a lousy flood control project that collapsed during the flood, that killed a family. I mean, how can you live with that? I can’t live with it. So, I won’t live with it. So, I…we’ll keep pushing,” the President said.
FOR COUSIN MARTIN
However, Marcos’ firm statements turned soft by not mentioning the names of known political allies who have resigned from their posts amid the corruption scandal.
Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez who resigned as House speaker, and former Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, who gave up his post as congressman, are both accused of obtaining large commissions in exchange for infrastructure deals.
Asked what awaits in the event that the investigation leads to his political allies, Marcos assured that the public thirst for accountability would continue.
“I think we’re already there. Why would I even start such a thing if it was somehow for political advantage?” said Marcos.
According to Marcos, he did not expose ghost flood control projects for political stunts — “The reason I brought it up and made it part of the national discourse was quite simply because this could not go on.”
SNIFF OF SUSPICION
By his own admission, Marcos said that there has always been “a sniff and suspicion” of corruption in the government, but not as big and scandalous as the flood control projects.
According to the President, corruption adversely affects the economy, education and healthcare.
“That’s why I brought it up and I will continue to bring it up because I do not see any point to anything that we are doing unless we move the country forward,” he further said.
Marcos said he doesn’t like the idea of being among the presidents who would take corruption sitting down amid a limited term of office.
“This is what we’ve seen over so many past decades. I didn’t want to be another one. I didn’t want to be a part of that kind of attitude, especially in terms of public service,” he quipped.