Kamanggagawa Partylist Representative Eli San Fernando criticized President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for what he described as the administration’s failure to fulfill repeated promises to jail politicians allegedly linked to anomalous flood control projects.
In a statement issued Wednesday night, San Fernando questioned the lack of arrests despite months of investigations and public assurances.
“Nasaan na ang ipinagyayabang ng Pangulo na may makukulong ngayong Pasko? Ilang beses niyang inulit na walang ‘Merry Christmas’ ang mga sangkot sa korapsyon. Pero heto na tayo, Noche Buena na mamaya, wala pa ring pulitikong napapakulong,” he said.
The lawmaker stressed that hearings and probes have so far yielded no concrete results, adding that public statements have not translated into accountability.
“Mula noong nabulgar ang mga ghost at anomalous flood control projects, puro press release lang ang naririnig natin. Papogi sa kamera, nag-aastang matapang at walang sasantuhin, pero pagdating sa resulta, wala. Habang ang taumbayan ay binabaha at naghihikahos sa hirap ng buhay, nilulunod naman tayo ng administrasyon sa mga pangako,” San Fernando added.
He warned that accountability should go beyond low-ranking officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and private contractors, insisting that lawmakers allegedly involved should also be held responsible.
“Kung seryoso ang Pangulo, dapat kasama ang mga kongresista at senador na kasabwat sa mga proyektong ito. Hindi pwedeng tagalinis lang ang hinahabol habang ang mga utak at padrino ay ligtas,” he said.
San Fernando also raised alarm over reports involving deaths and individuals leaving the country who were allegedly connected to the controversy.
“Mas masahol pa dito, wala na ngang napapakulong, may mga namamatay pa at may mga nakakaalis ng bansa. Anong tawag doon? E di inutil,” he said.
He concluded by urging the President to prioritize accountability over rhetoric.
“Mr. President, ngayong Pasko ang kailangan ng mga Pilipino ay pananagutan. Wag mo kaming daanin sa season’s greetings mo. Hindi papayag ang mga manggagawa at ordinaryong Pilipino na walang makulong na pulitiko dito.”