EDITORIAL - Flood control funds

The accused says the fund scam is “illusory.” The accusers say a plunder indictment is possible. The public’s main concern is that billions of pesos in people’s money meant for flood control must be used for the intended purpose. Especially with 122 people confirmed dead from landslides and floods spawned by Tropical Depression Usman during the holidays.

A team of congressmen led by House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. went to Naga City recently to conduct an inquiry into budget allocations and utilization in the Bicol region. The congressmen, who have been squabbling with Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno over the proposed national outlay for this year, concluded that since 2016, up to P332 billion had been allocated for non-existent or ghost projects, with P213 billion for flood control. A construction company purportedly with links to Diokno’s daughter has cornered the lion’s share of the projects in Bicol, the congressmen allege.

Those are serious accusations that could put offenders behind bars for life. Diokno has yet to face the House again but has denied the charges, and Malacañang has maintained its trust in him.

For residents of storm-devastated Bicol, the most pressing concern is relief from Usman’s destruction, followed by rehabilitation, which must include measures to make the region more resilient to torrential flooding and landslides. The hills and mountains of Bicol are lush with foliage, but the trees were not enough to stop the mudslides amid the incessant downpour brought by Usman. City streets were flooded and concrete bridges washed away.

Senators and Malacañang officials, for their part, are looking at corruption in lawmakers’ utilization of the Road User’s Tax, which has a flood control component. Whether or not there are personal agendas being pursued in the ongoing probes, the truth must be known and anyone who misuses public funds must be held accountable.

Corruption not only takes away resources from programs or areas where they are most needed. When even projects for disaster mitigation are misused, corruption can also kill.