20/09/2025
๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐ญ: ๐ ๐
๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ๐ข๐ง๐จ ๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ฏ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐
๐๐บ: ๐๐ข๐ฎ๐ช๐ญ๐ญ๐ฆ ๐๐ฑ๐ฐ๐ด๐ต๐ฐ๐ญ
Every year, the Philippines is battered by typhoons due to its location in the Pacific Ocean. While typhoons are natural occurrences, the government needs to enhance disaster preparedness and develop more effective plans to mitigate their impact. Flood control measures, such as flood barriers, water reservoirs, and early warning systems, should be implemented.
Filipinos are known for their resilience and ability to overcome lifeโs challenges. Last year, several typhoons, including Typhoon Kristine and Carina, struck the Philippines. Despite the devastation, Filipinos still managed to find humor. Some even made light of the floodsโtreating submerged thoroughfares as resorts where they hold drinking sessions as they bathed in murky floodwaters.
But as Filipinos, some also called for accountability. During President Ferdinand โBongbongโ Marcos Jr.โs SONA last year, he mentioned that flood control projects in Metro Manila alone had reached 5,500. this figure shocked many, considering that the government has spent billionsโif not trillionsโon these projects, and yet the country continues to sink under floodwaters.
This revelation has become an eye-opener for Filipinos who are now demanding transparency and accountability, urging government officials to be held liable. Various groups in the country amplified this call, while netizens mocked the so-called โnepo babiesโ who flaunted their lavish lifestyles in vlogsโknowing full well that such wealth was likely built on corruption.
The netizens dug up past interviews of the Discaya spouses featured on YouTube vlogs by Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao, editing clips they believed were connected to the flood control anomalies. In these interviews, the couple flaunted their luxury carsโone of which particularly caught the attention of Filipinos: their Rolls-Royce. When asked about the reason behind the purchase, Sarah Discaya casually explained that they were โamazedโ by the inclusion of an umbrella, which ultimately convinced them to make the purchase.
After all the commotion online and in different places, the Senate and the House of Representatives conducted hearings in aid of legislation. The question remains: Will those linked to the flood control anomalies ever be held accountable? Or is this just another political circus where Filipinos are left to rely on resilience, enduring a life they do not deserve, while the politicians and all those involved walk away unpunished?
Corruption in the Philippines is like a chronic diseaseโit cannot be cured overnight. But with leaders like Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Mayor Vico Sotto, who bravely fight against it, there is still hope for our country.
Mayor Vico Sotto is widely admired for ending the decades-long political dynasty of the Eusebios in Pasig City. As a councilor, he championed advocacies against corruption and even filed the Freedom of Information Bill. He is known for his transparency in all city projects, which is why Pasigueรฑos have grown fond of him. Many people are urging him to seek higher office, but he has openly stated that doing so would make him no different from traditional politicians, or trapos, whose lives revolve solely around politics.
We need more leaders like Mayor Vicoโunafraid to speak out, and unyielding in their fight against corruption, no matter who stands in their way.
Similarly, Mayor Benjie Magalong of Baguio City is a respected public servant who spent 38 years in the Philippine Constabulary and the Philippine National Police before entering politics. He leads the โMayors for Good Governanceโ initiative, calling for accountability in cases of government corruption, including the ongoing flood control controversies. Known for his fearless tirades against corrupt congressmen. Mayor Magalong not only exposes the long-standing tradition of corruption in the Philippines but also works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for his constituents in Baguio Leaders like him embody the kind of courage and integrity our country desperately needs.
The Filipino people are tired. For too long, being Filipino has meant being perpetually resilient. Resilience, however, is no longer enoughโwe must demand accountability and transparency.
It feels like a Netflix seriesโsomething we canโt help but watch as the truth slowly unfolds. Yes, being Filipino can be exhausting, but letโs always keep in mind the brighter future we can build if we continue to fight for our rightsโand for the rights of the generations to come.