FOR QUITE some time, our coffee talks had been put on hold. Now that we are back to sipping that black coffee — or chilling with a cold one — this writer once again found himself invited to a lively coffee chat.
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The engineer in the group appeared deep in thought before finally speaking his mind.
“What good will it do if our government and these politicos exert all their efforts in filing court cases against the alleged erring contractors involved in these flood control projects?” he asked, starting the ball rolling.
“Cases are filed, but these contractors and DPWH people still get to hold on to the money, while their families continue to enjoy the wealth they allegedly squandered and pocketed,” he added.
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“I agree with you. If you put them behind bars, will that alone help repair the damage caused by these failed flood control projects to thousands, even millions, of Filipinos whose homes and businesses were damaged?” the businessman chimed in.
“Just look at the Discaya scenario. The government sold those luxury cars they had. But where did the proceeds from the sale go? Did the government use those millions for flood control remedies? I don’t think so,” the businessman said.
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“So many of these alleged erring contractors remain on the loose, perhaps because some government figures are also part of the game they played. Until today, no massive effort has been undertaken by our government,” the retired teacher quipped.
“It seems they are more focused on the impeachment issue, perhaps to make sure they will not be castigated if the lady eventually becomes the leader of the land,” he added.
“Well, that may really be true. Government people do not want to touch the maleta-basura issue because those allegedly involved include people in government,” another member of the group remarked.
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“The only remedy is simple: RETURN THE MONEY they stole from the taxpayers. Return the money, or compel these contractors and government officials to finish those ghost and unfinished projects that have caused so much suffering among Filipinos,” said the retired banker.
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“I believe that the flooding we are experiencing may be part of God’s way of awakening the evildoers. For as long as the masterminds and those within their circle remain unpunished, our people will continue to suffer,” the pastor said.
“Our national leaders keep inspecting the damage caused by floods, but they have not demanded that the erring contractors return the money or finish their flood control projects. Our leaders simply pose for photos, and that is it,” the banker concluded./PN
