Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Thursday issued a strong warning to abusive and negligent officials in light of the continuing flood control problems in the country.
In an interview, the chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture expressed his frustration over the failure of flood control projects, stressing how these directly impact agriculture. He cited the recent tragedy in Mindoro:
“Ang flood control may kinalaman rin sa agrikultura lalo na yung nangyari sa Mindoro. Noong umulan, nasira yung flood control na dike—150 hectares ng rice field ang nalibing sa graba at semento,” he said.
Pangilinan condemned those responsible, calling them shameless and heartless for allowing such projects to fail, leading to loss of livelihoods.
“Buhay pa ang mga ito e sinusunog na sa impyerno ang kanilang mga kaluluwa. Wala silang awa at wala silang mga konsensya,” Pangilinan said, pointing to both contractors and officials behind the botched projects.
Despite the setbacks, Pangilinan remains hopeful that accountability will extend not only to contractors but also to public officials.
“Hindi maglalakas ng loob itong mga taga-public works at mga contractors kung wala silang kapit. Heads should roll, at dapat mauwi ito sa plunder cases filed before the Ombudsman,” he added.
The senator also expressed full support for the DA’s efforts, citing the newly enacted Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law as a tool to hold exploitative traders accountable.
“Yung pagbili ng palay sa napakababang presyo, tulad ng ₱5 kada kilo, kasama yan sa mga pwedeng kasuhan sa ilalim ng batas na ito,” Pangilinan added.
“The law is clear, but it has to be enforced. Warning ito sa mga nagsasamantala—tigilan ninyo ang pag-abuso sa inyong kapangyarihan. Ginagamit ninyo ang inyong lakas at pondo para apihin ang mga farmers.” Pangilinan declared.