Introduction
The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives has issued a bold demand for accountability from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte regarding campaign contributions received from government contractors during the 2022 elections. This call comes amid growing concerns over corruption in flood control projects, as citizens gathered at the People Power Monument to voice their outrage.
The Call for Transparency
In a statement released on September 21, the Makabayan bloc urged both leaders to publicly acknowledge and disclose all campaign donations received from contractors who have business dealings with the government. They insisted that no one, not even the highest officials of the country, is above the law.
Specific Demands from Makabayan
Among the explicit demands laid out by the Makabayan bloc are:
- To publicly disclose all campaign donations received from government contractors during the 2022 elections.
- To waive any claims to immunity and submit to thorough investigations by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Office of the Ombudsman.
- To accept the legal and political consequences of any findings, including possible imprisonment and disqualification from office.
Evidence of Corruption
According to a recent exposé by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, President Marcos allegedly received significant contributions from contractors. Specifically, he is reported to have received P20 million from Rodulfo Hilot Jr., whose company saw a substantial increase in government contracts under the current administration. Similarly, Jonathan Quirante’s contributions resulted in a dramatic rise in his company’s contracts, raising serious questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Vice President Duterte also faces scrutiny for receiving P19.9 million in campaign advertisements from Glenn Escandor’s company, which has since become a top contractor for flood control projects, amassing a staggering P2.9 billion in projects marked as completed.
Legal Violations
These contributions have been characterized by the Makabayan bloc as blatant violations of Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code. This section explicitly prohibits candidates from receiving donations from entities engaged in business with the government. The bloc emphasized that such contributions should not be viewed merely as donations but as down payments on government contracts, which could compromise the integrity of public service.
Impact on Governance
The Makabayan bloc has labeled the situation as “bureaucrat capitalism laid bare.” They argue that while millions of Filipinos are grappling with poverty and inadequate public services, those in power are turning public infrastructure into avenues for personal enrichment. They decried the ongoing corruption that plagues flood control projects, which are critical for alleviating the suffering of citizens affected by natural disasters.
A Call for Broader Investigations
Furthermore, the Makabayan bloc called for investigations into all elected officials who have disclosed receiving prohibited contributions, urging the Comelec to take swift action. They also recommended the suspension of contracts with implicated contractors pending the outcome of inquiries.
Conclusion
The increasing outcry over corruption has reignited discussions about accountability in the Philippine government. As the Makabayan bloc continues to press for transparency, they underscore a profound point: the integrity of public institutions and the trust of the citizenry hinge on leaders who are willing to be held accountable. The ongoing investigations and public scrutiny could play a crucial role in reforming a system that appears to be entrenched in conflict and self-interest.
