The billions of pesos flowing from government coffers to infrastructure projects—roads, bridges, and flood control systems—are meant to serve the Filipino people. Yet, a troubling pattern persists: the same construction firms, tied to politicians, their families, or campaign donors, repeatedly secure these lucrative contracts. This is not a coincidence but a systemic issue that demands urgent scrutiny from the Senate and House of Representatives. Lawmakers, entrusted with shaping the national budget, must confront their role in perpetuating this cycle of cronyism and take decisive action to restore public trust.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his fourth State of the Nation Address, vowed to crack down on government officials colluding with private firms. His subsequent audit revealed a list of top contractors dominating flood control projects, many linked to prominent politicians. While Marcos stopped short of accusations, the connections are undeniable. Past reports, like those from the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) and Rappler, have exposed how lawmakers and their allies profit from infrastructure deals, raising glaring questions about conflicts of interest.

Consider Senator Bong Go, whose father owns CLTG Builders, a Davao-based firm that secured ₱1.85 billion in contracts between 2016 and 2017, mostly with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Go, a longtime aide to former President Rodrigo Duterte, dismissed allegations of influence as “malicious.” Yet, the firm’s initials mirror his own name, and its dominance in Davao, Duterte’s stronghold, strains credulity. Similarly, Senate President Chiz Escudero’s ties to Centerways Construction, which received ₱30 million in campaign donations from its president, raise red flags. Most of Centerways’ projects are in Escudero’s home province of Sorsogon, yet he claims no interference in contract awards.

In the House, Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co, co-founder of Sunwest, oversaw a firm that raked in ₱38 billion in government projects from 2016 to 2024. While Co divested in 2019, his family and associates remain active in related businesses, sidestepping the spirit of ethical standards. Likewise, Bulacan’s Representative Tina Pancho, whose family owns C.M. Pancho Construction, benefits from a political dynasty that has long controlled infrastructure deals in their district. These are not isolated cases—Construction Workers Solidarity Party-list’s Edwin Gardiola and Pasig City’s mayoral candidate with ties to Alpha & Omega and St. Timothy Construction further illustrate how deep these connections run.

The law is clear: the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials demands divestment of private interests within strict timelines to avoid conflicts. The anti-graft law prohibits officials from holding financial stakes in contracts they oversee. Election laws, including COMELEC Resolution No. 10772, cap campaign donations to prevent undue influence. Yet, these laws are routinely flouted or skirted through technicalities, like divestments that leave family members or proxies in control. Lawmakers, who wield immense power over budget allocations, bear a special responsibility to uphold these standards. Their failure to do so fuels a perception of corruption that erodes public trust.

The Senate and House must act decisively. First, they should strengthen oversight of infrastructure bidding processes, mandating full transparency on ownership and affiliations of contractors. Second, they must enforce stricter penalties for violations of conflict-of-interest laws, ensuring that divestment is genuine and not a loophole for cronies. Third, campaign finance regulations need teeth—donations from firms with active government contracts should be banned outright, not capped at “reasonable” levels. Finally, lawmakers must lead by example, practicing delicadeza and hiya to honor their office and the public they serve.

The Filipino people deserve infrastructure that serves their needs, not the pockets of the powerful. Lawmakers must break this cycle of cronyism, not perpetuate it. Accountability starts with them—through transparency, adherence to the law, and a commitment to ethical governance. Anything less betrays the public trust and undermines the nation’s progress.

(TAMBULI NG BAYAN-Ronnie Estrada) #foryouシ #ChizEscudero #BagongPilipinas #ZaldyCo #tinapancho #Lubiano