Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Rep. Leila de Lima on Sunday underscored the urgency of recovering billions in alleged kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects, saying only a tiny portion of the stolen public funds has been returned.
De Lima said the ₱110 million surrendered by former DPWH Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara represents only a fraction of the money pocketed through what she described as deeply questionable projects.
“Katiting pa lang ito kumpara sa trilyong pisong napunta sa mga kickback at bulsa ng mga nagsabwatan sa mga maanomalyang proyekto. We urge other personalities involved in flood control projects controversy to follow suit,” she said.
She urged the government to accelerate legal action and asset recovery efforts.
“Dapat bilis-bilisan pa ng gobyerno ang pagsasampa ng kaso at pagbawi sa mga nakaw na yaman. Dahil hindi makukuntento ang mga Pilipino sa tingi-tingi lang na pagsasauli ng mga kinulimbat sa kaban ng bayan,” she added.
The LP bloc has filed House Resolution No. 524 seeking a probe into state efforts to retrieve ill-gotten or unexplained wealth linked to what De Lima called the country’s “biggest corruption scandal.” She said the use of recovered assets must also be monitored to ensure public benefit.
“Bukod sa halaga ng mga ibinabalik at mababawing nakaw na yaman, kasama rin sa ating babantayan kung saan ito gagamitin. Dapat malinaw ang plano ng gobyerno dito at malaki ang maging pakinabang sa ating mga kababayan,” she said.
“Malinaw sa mulat at galit na taumbayan: Kulang na ikulong lang ang mga kurakot. Dapat ibalik ang mga nakaw na yaman!” she added.
President Bongbong Marcos earlier said the Anti-Money Laundering Council had frozen ₱12 billion worth of assets tied to the controversy.
De Lima said the inquiry will also aim to identify implementation gaps, ensure accountability, and recommend reforms to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms, including a proposed measure reinforcing the mandate of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).