Fly on the wall

Delicadeza, a Spanish term often associated with propriety in conduct, has become a catchphrase amid the flood control project scandal, which now involves President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and key members of his administration.

As the nation grapples with alarming reports of budget insertions tied to irregularities in flood control projects, delicadeza has resurfaced with renewed vigor.

The Palace is trying to portray the long-awaited resignations of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman as almost heroic, describing them as voluntary resignations. Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, who is related to the former Executive Secretary, has also submitted his resignation for the same reason.

Poor Ante Kler, er, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro. She always has to find the right words for a doomed act.

Two Cabinet officials or their offices have been implicated in the allegations that emerged during the Senate blue ribbon hearings, with some mentioned indirectly and others named directly by the main accused, who has now become the primary accuser — former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co.

As calls for transparency grow louder, the symbolism of stepping down out of delicadeza feels inadequate. Resignations should not merely serve as a political Band-aid.

The League of Cities of the Philippines has expressed its unwavering support for the President, as expected of elected local leaders, to reinforce his legitimacy amid increasing dissent — that one we can ignore.

Co said in his video message that Pangandaman consistently secured the President’s approval during discussions on budget insertions in last year’s budget.

Others dismissed Co’s claims as impossible, especially in implicating top officials led by the President and his cousin, former Speaker Martin Romualdez, in orchestrating a staggering P100-billion budget insertion linked to flood control projects.

When a man fears for his life or his family’s safety, he is often willing to reveal everything, especially if the government is determined to silence him. I believe that Co has crossed his Rubicon.

The fact that officials are resigning under the weight of these accusations shows something is terribly wrong.

There is a culture of silence and a reluctance to confront wrongdoings within our political system. Co’s statements about being used as a scapegoat and fearing for his life should trigger alarm bells.

Calls for President Marcos to resign might not address the underlying issues. I still want to give him the benefit of the doubt, as he was the one who made this investigation possible. Instead, it is our duty as citizens to demand a government that prioritizes integrity over loyalty.

We don’t know the whole truth; only time will tell when everything reaches the court.

Those who were present in that room during those crucial moments in history should speak out and not wait for their names to be called.

But as my friend “Marites” always says, if only I could be a fly on the wall!

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