ACT Teachers Partylist Representative Antonio Tinio criticized President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for failing to jail high-ranking officials allegedly involved in the flood control controversy, questioning the administration’s anti-corruption drive.
“Bakit walang malaking isda sa kulungan ngayong Pasko?” Tinio asked.
He accused the Marcos administration of selectively pursuing cases while shielding top officials from scrutiny.
“The anemic pursuit of ‘big fish’, selective prosecution, and lackluster arrests that have marked the administration’s grand anti-corruption campaign are a direct result of allowing Pres. Marcos Jr. to evade accountability and shield himself and his highest officials from investigation,” Tinio said.
Tinio claimed Marcos himself was implicated as a recipient of kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects, while former Public Works Secretary Manny Bonoan was allowed to leave the country.
He also cited former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and former Justice Undersecretary Jojo Cadiz as being linked to the projects, noting that “the Ombudsman has not investigated any of them.”
He further criticized the legislature and other institutions for failing to pursue the matter when it allegedly reached Malacañang.
“The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee lost interest when the trail led to Malacañang. The House packed up their investigation early in the game. Even certain influential members of civil society have opted to engage Pres. Marcos Jr. on ‘meaningful reforms’ rather than seriously interrogate him and his cabinet on their role in the flood control scam. Walang malaking isda dahil ginusto nila yan,” Tinio said.
Warning of public backlash, Tinio said protecting top officials would only deepen public anger.
“If Malacañang will not be held accountable, then neither will the leaders of the House and Senate. Marcos and his ruling coalition will protect each other and have each other’s backs. They are the big fish that enabled the unprecedented plunder of DPWH funds in the past three years,” he added.
Tinio said the administration appears poised to prosecute only a limited set of figures before moving on.
“But the people will not be satisfied with a curated list of scapegoats. Expect even bigger protests next year. What people really want: Lahat ng sangkot, dapat managot! Baguhin ang bulok na sistema!” he said.