THERE HAVE been so many earthquakes, typhoons, and floods in recent years, and it is always the poor who suffer the most — those living near the coastline or in overcrowded slum communities. They become even poorer each time disaster strikes, while government assistance often amounts to only a few thousand pesos.
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At a recent coffee gathering, the discussion drifted to how billions in public funds continue to be wasted by national legislators. The question on the table was simple: If lawmakers misuse these billions, why not give the money directly to governors and mayors instead? After all, they have city and provincial councils that can maintain proper checks and balances.
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“It’s amusing,” the golfer began, breaking the ice. “Legislators have become the architects, engineers, foremen, and builders of this country’s infrastructure. I thought they were elected to make laws. Now all they seem to do is chase projects.”
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“One can presume lawmakers aren’t there to legislate anymore,” added the businessman. “Most of them aren’t lawyers, nor are they brilliant minds. Any Tom, Dick, or Harry can become a congressman or senator if he has millions to buy Filipino votes. And once elected, many — not all — fight for projects that can earn them hundreds of millions.”
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“What’s worse,” the teacher said angrily, “is that even mayors and governors are often unaware of DPWH projects being implemented in their areas. These projects appear out of nowhere, crafted in partnership with legislators who take hefty cuts. DPWH imagines the projects; politicians pocket the money.”
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“Now that these scandals are out in the open,” the businessman continued, “why not let governors and mayors identify the infrastructure their communities actually need? DPWH should be dissolved and replaced with a new agency — call it the Department of Infrastructure Development. This agency would build but not hold the funds, and it would not choose the contractors.”
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“The Ombudsman may be preparing cases,” the golfer chimed in, “but when will these cases prosper for the Filipino people? Another 10 to 20 years in court? When will we recover the money that vanished into the pockets of politicians, agencies, and contractors? Maybe never — maybe until death do us part.”
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“Let the governors and mayors decide on projects, not lawmakers,” the banker said. “Otherwise, this nation will keep falling apart as national legislators continue to pocket public funds. They are not lawmakers — they are money-makers.”
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“My wisdom tells me filing cases is useless,” the golfer insisted. “Cases drag on for decades. Better for the national government to require erring contractors to complete or rebuild the projects awarded to them. What do you gain from filing cases? If a project is found to be ghost infrastructure, compel the contractor to build that flood control structure. Punish them in that manner — their hidden wealth will come out when they’re forced to deliver. No more inutile court cases, please.”
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“Governors know best which infrastructure their towns and cities truly need,” the banker added. “Most projects pushed by national lawmakers are politically motivated — designed to benefit their constituencies and secure their reelection, power, and influence.”
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This nation will never be great for as long as lawmakers continue to act as engineers, architects, and contractors. Amen, we pray./PN
