By Gerrymar Araneta Batoy
In the midst of the ongoing Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearings, a revelation has shaken the very foundations of the nation’s infrastructure. The flood control mess, a scandal that has been brewing for years, has finally come to a head, exposing the rot of corruption that has been festering within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). According to Donald Sevilla, a columnist for The Bohol Tribune, this is merely the “tip of the iceberg,” a harbinger of more anomalies waiting to be uncovered.
As Sevilla aptly puts it, the DPWH has opened a “can of worms,” and the discussion on flood control projects has laid bare the extent of corruption in government. The ripple effects of this scandal are bound to be felt across various sectors, including farm-to-market roads, regular roads, and other infrastructure projects. The question on everyone’s lips is: how far-reaching is this corruption? Is it confined to the DPWH, or is it a systemic issue that pervades other government agencies?
Sevilla’s indictment is scathing: “Everyone is involved in corruption in one way or another.” He lambasts the politicians who are accountable to the people, demanding transparency and accountability in the face of these allegations. The irony is palpable when those who have engaged in corruption line up to apply for the witness protection program, seeking protection at the people’s expense. Sevilla’s words are laced with sarcasm as he notes the disparity in treatment between petty criminals and those who have stolen billions of pesos.
Meanwhile, Bohol’s tourism industry is on the decline, with trade missions being touted as a solution. Sevilla disagrees, arguing that Bohol is already a prime tourist destination. Instead, he points to the tourism operators themselves as the culprits, citing exorbitant prices and costs that are driving visitors away. His verdict is stark: “The people here are slowly killing the business that lays the golden egg.”
In a surprising admission, Sevilla reveals that corruption in the media is not unheard of. He hints at the existence of media personnel involved in corruption, albeit on a smaller scale compared to other places. This raises uncomfortable questions about the integrity of those who are supposed to hold power to account.
As the nation grapples with the fallout from this scandal, Sevilla’s words serve as a clarion call for transparency, accountability, and reform. The flood control mess may be just the beginning, but it is imperative that we confront the systemic corruption that threatens to undermine our progress. The people demand answers, and it is time for our leaders to provide them.
