As I write this, many of our fellow Filipinos, or kababayan, are experiencing the devastating impact of super typhoon “Uwan.”

Disasters are an unfortunate yet unavoidable part of life in the Philippines. From typhoons and floods to earthquakes and droughts, these events cause considerable destruction to communities, resulting in a path of devastation that can take many years to recover from.

The government’s role is both critical and scrutinized. Unfortunately, what we often witness is an unsettling pattern of inaction alongside an alarming prevalence of corruption, particularly in key sectors such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Congress.

When natural disasters strike, communities rely heavily on their government for timely and effective responses. The expectation is that the state will utilize its resources and expertise to protect citizens, provide relief, and rebuild infrastructure.

However, this is frequently hampered by bureaucratic inefficiencies and a lack of accountability. Studies and reports have shown that disaster preparedness plans are often outdated or poorly implemented, leaving areas vulnerable and inadequately defended against calamities.

The situation is exacerbated by rampant corruption within governmental bodies responsible for disaster management and infrastructure development.

The DPWH has been frequently implicated in scandals involving misappropriated funds and projects that never materialized despite considerable allocations. These funds, which were intended for crucial infrastructure upgrades — such as flood control systems and emergency shelters — often vanished amid a web of kickbacks and ghost projects.

Mass kleptomania not only undermines the integrity of public service but also puts lives at risk, as necessary preparations are sidelined for personal gain.

The legislative branch also bears its share of blame. Members of Congress, who are supposed to provide oversight and accountability, often find themselves complicit in this culture of corruption.

Whether through the allocation of unprogrammed funds for projects that benefit private interests or by failing to pass legislation that strengthens disaster response protocols, their inaction contributes to a cycle of negligence that affects millions.

We are experiencing a betrayal of public trust, which is particularly distressing given the consistent rise in the frequency and intensity of typhoons visiting the country.

It should be a wake-up call for the government to prioritize disaster preparedness and response, yet instead, we see a pattern of neglect. The failure to act and the continuous siphoning of public resources lead not only to the erosion of infrastructure but also to the erosion of public trust.

Mechanisms must be put in place for regular audits, public accountability, and stringent penalties for those who misuse resources intended for disaster management.

As citizens, we need to push for reforms that ensure funds allocated for disaster preparedness and response are used appropriately, effectively, and transparently. We should not reelect leaders who were implicated in the flood control and other scams.

We cannot sit idly by and allow families and animals to suffer and drown in massive floods simply because the funds meant for life-saving projects were misappropriated by corrupt individuals. It is a heavy burden for this generation to bear.

(You may send comments and reactions to feedback032020@gmail.com or text 0931-1057135)