Floods fail to bury these scandals

Two recent recantations involving alleged deliveries of luggage containing tens of millions of pesos to key government officials should raise more questions than they settle. The former soldiers who supposedly witnessed or participated in the deliveries have now withdrawn their testimonies, claiming that Senator Rodante Marcoleta and former Congressman Michael Defensor contrived the stories and attributed these to them. This is not merely another political sideshow. It is an assault on the credibility of investigations and the public’s right to know where the money supposedly came from and where it went.

Then came another troubling development: Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Congressman Leandro Leviste, reportedly left the country amid investigations and brewingcomplaints before the Ombudsman. Their departure invites comparisons with former Congressman Zaldy Co, who also left the country before charges could be filed and remains abroad amid allegations of involvement in budget manipulation. Legarda and Leviste have been linked to allegations surrounding a multibillion-peso solar energy project that solicited millions in investments but failed to deliver on their promise of nationwide solar power.

But while political controversies generate headlines, Metro Manila residents are dealing with a crisis that requires no affidavit, recantation or congressional hearing to prove: they are drowning.

Days of incessant monsoon rains have again exposed the capital’s chronic vulnerability to flooding. Streets become rivers, homes are submerged, businesses are disrupted while students and commuters are stranded. Yet the government response remains depressingly familiar: release more funds, announce another quick fix, and point fingers at whoever supposedly failed before.

It is the same script every time disaster strikes.

The problem is not the absence of money. Government has been releasing billions for flood-control projects for years. The problem is whether those funds are being spent properly, whether projects are properly designed and completed, and whether anyone is held accountable when they fail.

While lawmakers trade accusations and witnesses recant, ordinary Filipinos have no option to flee the floodwaters—or the country. They remain behind, paying taxes, losing property and waiting for government to do what it should have done long ago.

At least government remains consistent: every crisis is met with two things—another release of funds and another round of blame.

What remains missing is accountability.