Batang Gapo Goes National

24/09/2025

Marcos condemns kickbacks in government projects
The recent condemnation by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the escalating kickbacks in government projects should serve as a resounding call for accountability, not only within agencies directly implicated but across all branches of government. The testimonies heard in the Senate investigation reveal a disturbing trend: the culture of corruption has not only persisted but has worsened, with kickbacks ballooning from what was once considered “standard” to figures that now brazenly exploit public funds.

This revelation exposes how systemic the problem has become—where greed trumps public service and governance is reduced to a marketplace of commissions. The President’s anger reflects the growing frustration of the people, who are left shortchanged by projects that should uplift communities but are instead diluted by corruption.

But condemnation alone will not suffice. Every agency must now take the President’s words as a challenge to “cleanse their own backyard.” Internal audits, stronger checks and balances, and a culture of whistleblowing without fear of reprisal should be normalized. Accountability cannot stop at a single hearing; it must translate into structural reforms that cut the cycle of collusion between officials and contractors.

If agencies fail to act decisively, corruption will continue to breed quietly in the shadows of bureaucracy. It is high time that government institutions live up to their mandate of serving the public, not enriching a few. The cleansing must begin at home—and it must be relentless.

Reference: Philippine Star. (2025, September 25). Marcos condemns rising kickbacks in government projects. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/nation/2025/09/25/marcos-condemns-rising-kickbacks-government-projects2

24/09/2025

“Clean Up Your Own Backyard: Why All Agencies Must Follow ICI’s Lead in Exposing Anomalies”
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The recent move by the Marcos administration, through the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), to pursue leads on anomalous flood control projects is a strong step toward accountability. For too long, public funds meant for disaster resilience have been siphoned off by questionable projects that exist only on paper. By empowering the ICI to gather evidence, file charges, and freeze suspicious assets, Malacañang sends a clear message: corruption will no longer be tolerated.

But this probe should not end with flood control. The cleansing of one sector should ignite a broader campaign across all government agencies. Corruption festers not just in infrastructure, but also in procurement, social services, and even local governance. Every agency has its own “backyard” that requires cleansing—and the public deserves nothing less than a government committed to transparency at all levels.

The challenge now lies in sustaining the momentum. Too often, probes begin with promise but fade once political noise drowns them out. For this initiative to succeed, the ICI and supporting bodies like the DOJ, DPWH, and AMLC must remain relentless. At the same time, other agencies should not wait for a presidential directive before examining their own systems. Proactive internal audits, genuine whistleblower protections, and swift accountability measures can help prevent the same cycle of anomalies from recurring.

If every agency takes responsibility for its own integrity, we move closer to building a government that the people can trust. The fight against corruption should not be selective—it should be collective.

Reference: Philippine News Agency. (2025, September 24). ICI tracks leads in flood control anomalies, Malacañang says. Retrieved from

The Philippine News Agency is a web-based newswire service of the Philippine government under the supervision of the News and Information Bureau (NIB) of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

24/09/2025

Alcantara Agrees to Return Alleged Ill-Gotten Wealth

The recent revelation that former DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara is willing to return his alleged ill-gotten wealth underscores a hard truth: corruption continues to thrive in the very institutions tasked to serve the public. His "gesture for restitution" may serve as a step toward accountability, but it also exposes how government permanency positions often turn into thrones for those in power—wielded not for service, but for self-interest.

It is high time that all agencies take this case as a wake-up call to cleanse their own backyards. For far too long, irregularities have been swept under the rug, normalized by a system that rewards silence and punishes whistleblowers. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) and Commission on Audit (COA) must remain vigilant, not only in investigating these anomalies but in ensuring that such abuse of power is not perpetuated by those who see their positions as lifelong entitlements.

Alcantara’s cooperation may help expose bigger players, but it should not end there. True accountability will only be achieved once government institutions establish that no individual—no matter how entrenched in the bureaucracy—is above the law. The fight against corruption requires consistent, fearless oversight, not selective justice. Only then can public trust in the government be restored.

Reference:
Philippine Daily Inquirer. (2025, September 24). Alcantara agrees to return alleged ill-gotten wealth. Retrieved from https://newsinfo.inquirer.net

24/09/2025

Flood Control Scandal Exposes Government Malpractice: A Call for CSC and COA Vigilance
The recent revelations involving former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer Henry Alcantara, who has expressed willingness to return wealth allegedly acquired through anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan, should serve as a wake-up call for the entire government bureaucracy. While the public may view this gesture of restitution as a step toward accountability, the deeper issue remains—government agencies, from the DPWH to the smallest offices, must start cleansing their own backyards.

The scandal underscores a culture of entitlement in the public service, where permanency in government positions has become a throne for those in power. Instead of serving the people, many entrenched officials treat their positions as personal fiefdoms. The case of the flood control projects is just one symptom of this larger problem. Kickbacks, duplication of projects, and anomalous fund allocations expose how systemic malpractice continues to thrive within government agencies.

This is where the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Commission on Audit (COA) must demonstrate vigilance and consistency. The CSC, as the constitutionally mandated guardian of meritocracy in public service, should strictly enforce its rules on contract service employment. Agencies that employ more than six contract service personnel are already skirting the law, creating avenues for abuse and “job orders” that bypass competitive hiring. Moreover, positions with salary grades higher than SG 26 should not be treated as permanent, precisely to prevent the misuse of power and undue influence by entrenched elites. These checks and balances exist not to limit service delivery but to ensure that power does not corrupt those at the helm.

On the other hand, COA must revisit its standard operating procedures (SOPs) on auditing services being billed to the very agencies they are auditing. Such practices create conflicts of interest that are, at their core, self-serving. Auditing must remain independent, impartial, and uncompromised. If auditors are financially tied to the institutions they evaluate, public trust erodes further, and corruption thrives under the guise of compliance.

The scandal also calls attention to the need for internal cleansing mechanisms across all agencies. Accountability should not only come when scandals erupt or when whistleblowers step forward. Instead, transparency, compliance audits, and strict enforcement of rules must become embedded in everyday governance. Without proactive oversight, corruption will continue to bleed resources meant for public service, especially in critical sectors such as flood control, which directly affects the safety and welfare of communities.

The case of Alcantara, and possibly Brice Hernandez, should not end with restitution alone. While the return of ill-gotten wealth is commendable, justice demands that systemic reforms be pursued vigorously. The DOJ’s investigation is a start, but unless CSC and COA step up and exercise their mandates fully, the cycle of corruption will persist, merely replaced by new names and faces.

Ultimately, the Filipino people deserve a bureaucracy that is accountable, efficient, and responsive—not one mired in self-interest and malpractice. Cleansing government backyards requires more than lip service; it demands courage, institutional reforms, and unwavering vigilance. Only then can public trust be restored, and only then can government service truly live up to its name.

Reference:
Philippine Daily Inquirer. (2025, September 24). Ex-DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara to return alleged ill-gotten wealth from flood control projects. Retrieved from Inquirer.net

22/09/2025

Kung sa kalsada ay sumisigaw ang mga tao laban sa korapsyon, ngayon pati sa cyberspace ay bumabayo na rin ang galit. Sunod-sunod na atake sa mga government websites ang nagbunyag kung gaano kahina ang seguridad ng digital infrastructure ng pamahalaan.

Hindi ito simpleng “hack”—ito ay mensahe: “Corruption Kills the Poor.” Ang pera para sa ospital, paaralan, at pagkain, nauubos dahil napupunta sa bulsa ng iilan
Ctto: .

16/09/2025

The Philippines Hugged by Crocodiles

When you look at the Philippine map, it is as if the archipelago is being hugged by a giant crocodile. A chilling metaphor—because in our society, the crocodile is more than just a reptile. It has become the face of corruption.

1. Why the Philippines Has So Many Corrupt Officials in Government, LGUs, and Agencies
The problem is systemic. From barangay halls up to national offices, corruption seems less like an exception and more like a tradition passed down. The crocodile’s jaws symbolize officials who devour public funds, while its scaly skin represents the thick-faced politicians who remain unfazed by scandal. The sad truth? Many Filipinos have grown numb, accepting the crocodile’s grip as part of daily governance.

2. How Greediness and Corruption Are Like Crocodiles in Flood Control Projects
Nowhere is this clearer than in flood control. Billions are poured into drainage, dikes, and pumping stations. Yet every rainy season, we still wade through waist-deep water. Why? Because the crocodile feeds first. Materials are substandard, contracts overpriced, projects delayed—or worse, never completed. Greed is the crocodile that swallows funds whole, leaving communities to drown. The irony is painful: the projects meant to control floods become the very reason people sink in corruption’s floodwaters.

3. What Our Heroes Would Say
If José Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, or Apolinario Mabini could speak today, they would call out this betrayal of the people’s trust. Rizal would remind us that the true enemy of progress is not foreign invaders anymore, but our own leaders who devour their fellowmen. Bonifacio would rage, demanding that we rise against this new colonizer—the crocodile in a barong. Mabini would quietly mourn, saying that freedom without integrity is slavery in disguise.

Our heroes fought for independence, but today we fight a different war: not against muskets and cannons, but against crocodiles dressed as public servants. And as long as we allow them to hug the nation, the Philippines will remain trapped in their suffocating embrace.

14/09/2025

Permanency Becomes a Throne — The Case of Flood Control in DPWH

A friend of mine who works in government once shared a frustrating reality: “Dito sa ahensya, kung umasta ang ilan sa management, parang kanila na ang opisina. Dahil permanente sila, they act like they own it.”

This captures the paradox of public service in the Philippines. Civil service permanency was meant to protect workers from political retaliation and promote integrity. But in practice, some officials use it as a throne—a shield for incompetence, negligence, and even corruption.

From Service to Entitlement

Flood-control projects under DPWH expose this attitude. Billions are allocated yearly, yet streets and communities still drown after every heavy rain. Why? Because projects are often copy-pasted, substandard, or ghost projects. And since many of those who design, approve, and monitor them are “permanent,” they move with impunity.

Instead of treating their position as a sacred trust, some behave like feudal lords guarding territory. They forget: government agencies are not their kingdoms. They are funded by taxpayers, and the Filipino people are the rightful owners.

Biblical and Historical Echoes

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 20:26: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” But in the bureaucracy, greatness is often measured not by faithful service but by permanence of appointment—“di matanggal, kaya walang pakialam.”

Rizal warned us in Noli Me Tangere. The friars, cloaked in tenure and authority, acted untouchable. Padre Dámaso abused power as if the town were his personal property. Today, some DPWH managers mirror that mentality: “Permanent kami, so who can question us?” This mindset poisons genuine reform.

Accountability Beyond Permanency

Permanency should not mean immunity. Performance evaluations, ethics enforcement, and citizen oversight must be strengthened. If billions are wasted in flood-control projects yet Metro Manila still sinks after every downpour, then clearly, someone must be held accountable.

The Constitution is clear: public office is a public trust. Without accountability, that phrase is reduced to mere lip service.

The Bottom Line

Floodwaters reveal not only the failures of infrastructure, but also the rot in governance. Agencies like DPWH are not inherited estates, and permanency is not a crown. The people are the true sovereigns, and officials—whether temporary or permanent—are only stewards.

To forget this is not just betrayal of public service. It is betrayal of the nation itself.

13/09/2025

No One Above the Law—Not Even the Most Powerful

Rep. Kiko Barzaga’s call to investigate Speaker Martin Romualdez strikes at the heart of a principle too often forgotten in Philippine politics: no one should be above the law. In a country where power has long served as a shield, the idea that even the most influential figure can be held accountable offers a glimmer of hope.

A Biblical Reminder

The Scriptures are clear: “For God shows no partiality” (Romans 2:11). Whether rich or poor, leader or follower, all are subject to justice. To allow the powerful to escape scrutiny is to deny the very essence of righteousness. Proverbs 29:4 warns us: “By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.” A government that coddles its elites while punishing only the weak is not a government of justice, but of hypocrisy.

Rizal’s Lesson in Noli Me Tangere

Dr. José Rizal, through Noli Me Tangere, exposed how those in power—friars and officials—hid behind sanctity and authority to escape accountability. Padre Dámaso and the colonial bureaucrats wielded influence as a weapon, silencing dissent while indulging in corruption and abuse. The lesson is timeless: when leaders are treated as untouchable, injustice festers, and the people suffer.

Barzaga’s challenge mirrors Rizal’s warning—if we cannot confront wrongdoing at the highest levels, then the cycle of impunity continues. True reform demands that those who occupy the loftiest seats must also face the harshest scrutiny.

The Test of a Just Society

To investigate Romualdez is not simply to investigate a man—it is to test whether our democratic institutions have the courage to apply justice equally. If the Speaker himself can be held accountable, then every public servant, no matter how powerful, becomes subject to the same law.

But if investigations stall, if excuses are made, if power shields him once again, then what lesson do we pass to the Filipino people? That justice is selective? That laws are written only for the powerless?

Conclusion

The call is simple yet profound: equal justice under the law. Rizal envisioned a nation where truth triumphs over abuse, and the Bible reminds us that God Himself does not play favorites. To ignore these truths is to betray both faith and nation.

Barzaga is right—no politician is untouchable. And if the law cannot reach the highest, then it loses all meaning for the rest.

12/09/2025

Of Masks, Misused Scriptures, and the Ghosts of Corruption

The Bible is a book of life, yet too often it becomes a weapon in the hands of those who seek to control, distort, or justify their own agenda. The recent controversy in the United States involving Stephen King and his retracted remarks about Charlie Kirk is a clear example. Kirk once invoked Leviticus to highlight the “stoning of g**s,” and while Stephen King mistakenly attributed advocacy to him, the heart of the issue is how certain people cherry-pick scripture—either to condemn or to manipulate.

This is not new. For centuries, verses such as Leviticus 18:22 and Leviticus 20:13 have been selectively wielded to pass judgment, while equally weighty commandments—“love thy neighbor,” “do not bear false witness,” “defend the poor and the fatherless”—are conveniently forgotten. The Word of God becomes a tool for control instead of a light for justice and compassion.

The Mask of Advocacy

We see the same danger today in some circles of advocacy. Take Gender and Development (GAD) programs, which were designed with noble intent: to uplift, empower, and protect vulnerable sectors. Yet behind the mask of advocacy, there are those who exploit these programs—not to champion equality, but to advance personal or political gain. Instead of genuine empowerment, what emerges is performative activism—loud slogans but empty substance, reports that look good on paper but fail to address real human needs.

This mirrors the way scripture is abused: what is supposed to bring life is twisted into a mask for exploitation. Advocacy loses its soul when it serves only as a ladder to power or as a smokescreen for corruption.

Ghost Projects and Flooded Realities

Nowhere is this clearer than in the Philippines’ ghost projects, particularly in flood control. Billions are allocated annually for dikes, drainage, and water management. On paper, the people are “protected.” But when the rains come, communities are submerged, livelihoods destroyed, and lives lost. Why? Because many of these projects exist only in documents—substandard or never built at all.

Here lies the bitter irony: while ordinary Filipinos live isang kahig, isang tuka, the money that should save them from drowning—literally and figuratively—is siphoned off by officials hiding behind technical jargon and development rhetoric. Floodwaters expose not only the weakness of infrastructure but the rottenness of a system where “ghosts” eat up the nation’s lifeblood.

A Coherent Warning

When scripture is twisted, when advocacy is masked, and when projects are ghosted, the result is the same: ordinary people suffer. Misused verses alienate instead of heal. Exploited GAD programs silence instead of empower. Corrupt flood control projects drown instead of protect.

The Bible warns against such hypocrisy: “Woe to you, teachers of the law… you clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25). These words cut across time and geography—applicable to preachers, politicians, and even advocates who wear masks of virtue while living in corruption.

Final Word

The lesson is clear: whether in America’s cultural wars or the Philippines’ flood-prone barang**s, the abuse of sacred texts and noble causes for selfish ends is a betrayal of both God and people. If advocacy is genuine, if development is real, and if faith is alive, then there should be no room for masks, ghosts, or cherry-picked truths.

For until the masks are removed and the ghosts are cast out, it will always be the poor—the market vendor, the jeepney driver, the flood victim—who pay the price.

12/09/2025

The Mask of Advocacy, the Weight of Scripture, and Lessons from Stephen King’s Apology

The Bible has long been used as both a sword and a shield. For many, it is the source of life, hope, and guidance. Yet for others, it becomes a weapon, wielded selectively to justify condemnation rather than compassion.

The Weight of Leviticus

In the controversy surrounding Charlie Kirk, the verses in Leviticus—“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination” (18:22) and “They shall surely be put to death” (20:13)—were once again invoked. These passages are often isolated and amplified to condemn homosexuality, while passages about justice, fairness, greed, or compassion are left in the shadows.

This selective reading reflects what Stephen King later admitted in his apology: that people often cherry-pick scripture. It is a sobering reminder of how dangerous it is to use the Bible as a tool for shaming or controlling others, rather than as a guide for personal transformation.

The Mask of Advocacy

In today’s discourse, we also see another troubling pattern. Some who wear the cloak of Gender and Development (GAD) advocacy do so not to uplift but to exploit. Instead of advancing equality and dignity, they use the language of progress as a mask—securing funding, positions, or influence, while undermining the very people they claim to serve.

The irony is painful: on one side, scripture is twisted to condemn in the name of “truth”; on the other, advocacy is twisted to exploit in the name of “justice.” Both wear masks. Both betray trust. Both cause harm.

The Danger of Reckless Words

Stephen King’s error was not merely in misquoting Kirk, but in amplifying a false claim without checking its truth. In a world where outrage spreads faster than facts, even a novelist of his stature discovered how words can ignite firestorms. His apology was swift, but the damage was done.

And yet, the deeper issue remains—not King’s mistake, but the reality that scripture is constantly being invoked in culture wars. Whether by conservatives citing Leviticus to condemn, or by progressives using “love thy neighbor” without grappling with the full text, the Bible is too often reduced to a weapon of convenience.

A Call Back to the Core

If there is a lesson here, it is this:

To those who weaponize the Bible—remember that Jesus himself prioritized mercy, justice, and love above ritual law.

To those who wear the mask of advocacy—remove it, for the pursuit of equality should never be about self-interest.

To those who speak in public, whether writers or leaders—words matter, and they must be handled with care.

At the heart of it all, scripture points us not to self-righteousness, but to humility. The prophet Micah said it plainly: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

Anything less—whether corruption masked as development, condemnation masked as faith, or commentary masked as truth—is a betrayal of that calling.

12/09/2025

Commentary: Gender, Development, and the Stephen King–Charlie Kirk Controversy

The uproar sparked by Stephen King’s tweet about the late Charlie Kirk is more than just another clash on social media. At its core, it reveals the tensions between free speech, accountability, and the ongoing struggle for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights—a struggle that sits at the heart of gender and development (GAD).

Missteps and Misinterpretations

Stephen King, one of America’s most influential authors, wrongly claimed that Kirk had directly advocated for stoning g**s. While King quickly apologized, acknowledging he had relied on unverified social media claims, the damage had already been done. Critics like Senator Ted Cruz capitalized on the misstatement to paint King as a liar, shifting focus away from the real issue: the dangerous persistence of rhetoric that weaponizes scripture against marginalized communities.

Why This Matters for Gender and Development

Gender and development is not just about promoting equality between men and women; it also encompasses the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals, who remain among the most vulnerable to discrimination. When public figures casually reference or highlight biblical passages prescribing violence against same-sex relationships—even under the guise of “just quoting”—they reinforce stigma and legitimize hostility.

For ordinary LGBTQ+ people, these words can translate into real-life harm: rejection by family, workplace discrimination, or even violence. From a GAD perspective, development cannot be measured solely in terms of economic growth; it must also be judged by the inclusivity, safety, and dignity afforded to every citizen.

The Role of Public Voices

Stephen King’s mistake shows the importance of fact-checking before amplifying claims, especially in times of heightened political and social tensions. Yet, beyond his error, the conversation exposes how influential voices—whether authors, politicians, or activists—can shape public attitudes toward gender and sexuality. When they speak recklessly, they risk worsening the climate of fear for marginalized groups.

At the same time, it also underscores the responsibility of critics to go beyond “gotcha” politics. Instead of focusing only on King’s error, leaders could have used the moment to reaffirm a commitment to equality and respect for all genders and identities.

Moving Forward

The controversy reminds us that words matter. For GAD advocates, it is a call to:

Continue challenging rhetoric that dehumanizes LGBTQ+ communities.

Promote education that interprets faith and culture in ways that affirm, rather than endanger, human dignity.

Hold both allies and critics accountable—not just for their mistakes, but also for how they use their platforms to influence public discourse.

Final Thought

Stephen King admitted he was wrong and apologized. But the larger question remains: when will society stop tolerating interpretations and narratives that justify the oppression of LGBTQ+ people? Until that happens, the dream of true gender and development—where everyone can live free from fear and discrimination—will remain out of reach.

12/09/2025

Tuloy Laban: The Unequal Hours of Struggle

At 3 a.m., when many ordinary workers are still awake—drivers waiting for passengers, factory workers finishing shifts, online freelancers pushing deadlines—this is the hour that exposes the inequality of our society. While they are fighting sleep to earn a few hundred pesos just to make ends meet, there are politicians who, at the same ungodly hour, are comfortably resting on wealth accumulated not through sweat and sacrifice, but through corruption and ghost projects.

This contrast is more than unfair—it is a betrayal. Public funds, meant to build schools, improve hospitals, fix roads, or provide decent housing, are instead siphoned into substandard projects or paper-only “ghost” programs. Every peso pocketed by a corrupt official is a peso stolen from a family who skips meals, from a student who walks kilometers to school, or from a patient turned away because the local clinic has no medicines.

The phrase “tuloy laban” should not only echo in protest rallies or hashtags online. It should live in the daily fight of every Filipino who demands accountability. Because if ordinary people are willing to endure exhaustion, humiliation, and sacrifice just to earn honest money, why should we allow those in power to enrich themselves through dishonesty?

At 3 a.m., the struggle of the masses continues. And so should the struggle for justice, transparency, and good governance.

The real challenge is this: How long will we allow this system to stay lopsided? And at what point will “tuloy laban” become not just a cry, but a collective force that finally holds the corrupt accountable?