Taking a back seat

Malacañang’s decision to shift its focus from the multibillion-peso irregularities in flood control projects to the economic recovery is well articulated.

The economy has to recover from challenges; thus, handing over this high-profile corruption investigation to the prosecution and the judicial branch is the right move. The administration has already demonstrated its commitment to addressing loopholes in economic reform, including cracking down on significant corruption.

Flood control projects are not just technical undertakings — they are matters of public safety and fiscal integrity. Billions of pesos allegedly lost to corruption means more than wasted funds — the communities are vulnerable to disaster, and it’s a blow to public trust.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s resolve to hold all those involved accountable set an important tone for his administration. It was a commitment he made last year to hold individuals accountable for their actions. It conveyed that the President values transparency and justice, which can help instill public confidence in government processes.

By emphasizing accountability, the President signals that unethical behavior and wrongdoing will not be tolerated. This tone can influence how the public perceives government actions and policies and can also shape the culture within the administration.

Transferring the investigation to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice may seem like taking a back seat, but it is appropriate under due process. It is not simply a matter of political expediency or a strategy to allow controversies to fade quietly from the public eye. It is letting the full force of the law address issues that seem untouchable and allowing those who denied allegations of wrongdoing to confront the undeniable truth.

The creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) was a step in the right direction. However, the current uncertainty surrounding the ICI’s mandate, structure and future undercuts the commission’s credibility. I hope the President would ensure that anti-corruption bodies like the ICI are empowered, independent, and adequately supported — both in terms of resources and political will.

Economic recovery and anti-corruption efforts are not mutually exclusive. They should work together. In fact, the latter is a prerequisite for genuine, sustainable growth. Corruption can undermine trust in institutions, misallocate resources and hinder fair competition, thereby slowing economic progress. Addressing corruption is necessary to create a healthy, thriving economic environment.

Filipinos have been informed of the flood control projects, and they are now watching intently. I am interested in what the future holds for the economy while following the cases of those responsible for desecrating it.

Shifting the national conversation away from scandal may help clear the way for economic policy, but it must not come at the expense of justice and reform. While focusing on economic recovery may be beneficial, important issues related to justice should not be overlooked or sidelined.

Accountability cannot be put on hold for prosperity that may prove hollow if built on impunity. Without a solid foundation rooted in accountability, any prosperity gained could be superficial or detrimental.

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