Introduction
The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives has called for transparency and accountability from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte regarding campaign contributions received from government contractors during the 2022 elections. This demand comes on the heels of significant allegations of corruption tied to flood control projects that have sparked public outcry.
The Demand for Disclosure
On September 21, as Filipinos gathered at the People Power Monument to protest government corruption, the Makabayan bloc, including ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio and Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co, issued a statement demanding that both leaders:
- Publicly acknowledge and disclose all campaign donations from government contractors.
- Waive any claims to immunity or privilege and submit to investigations by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Office of the Ombudsman.
- Accept the consequences of their actions, including potential imprisonment for electoral violations.
“No one is above the law. Not even the President and Vice President of the Republic,” underscored the bloc, emphasizing that accountability is crucial in governance.
Evidence of Corruption
The demand was propelled by revelations from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, which highlighted violations of Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code, prohibiting candidates from accepting donations from entities doing business with the government. The urgency of these allegations cannot be overstated, as they implicate the highest offices in the land in potential electoral misconduct.
According to disclosures made in the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), President Marcos reportedly received P20 million from contractor Rodulfo Hilot Jr., whose company secured government contracts worth P2.7 billion in 2023, increasing to P3.5 billion by 2024. Similarly, he accepted P1 million from Jonathan Quirante, with Quirante Construction seeing its contracts skyrocket from P1.9 billion in 2022 to P3 billion in 2023.
Vice President Duterte’s SOCE revealed a staggering P19.9 million in campaign ads funded by Glenn Escandor’s Esdevco Realty Corporation, which subsequently became the top flood-control contractor in Davao del Sur, with P2.9 billion in completed projects during Marcos’s first half of his term.
Implications for Governance
The Makabayan bloc argues that these contributions are not mere electoral support; rather, they reflect a troubling trend of bureaucrat capitalism where public infrastructure projects are seen as profit centers for the elite. “While millions struggle with poverty and inadequate public services, officials appear to be enriching themselves through government contracts,” they stated.
Tinio and Co stressed that Marcos and Duterte must confront the ongoing issues of kickbacks, ghost projects, and overpriced infrastructure instead of attempting to dissociate from their corrupt practices. They urged the Comelec to investigate other officials involved in similar financial misconduct.
Call to Action
In closing, the Makabayan bloc emphasizes that this scandal is a glaring testament to the reality of elite capture in governance, where the interests of the ruling class overshadow the needs of the masses. They look forward to a thorough investigation and demand the suspension of contracts from implicated contractors pending further review.
As the public’s frustrations mount, every instance of flooding, substandard infrastructure, and inadequate services stands as a reminder of the deep-seated issues that must be addressed for the betterment of the Filipino people.
