De La Salle Philippines Statement on the
Massive Corruption on Flood Control Projects
Corruption Affects Our Work of Education
"Your money is corrupt and your fine clothes stink. Your greedy luxuries are a cancer in your gut, destroying your life from within. All the workers you've exploited and cheated cry out for judgment". James: 5:4
We, the network of De La Salle Schools in the Philippines (DLSP), are appalled by the large-scale and multi-billion corruption on flood control projects allegedly committed by suppliers and negotiators, as authorized by some members of government leaders, many of whom are public works contractors, congressmen and senators, who are in collusion with greedy bureaucrats from the DPWH. They usurped the money that should have been used for projects to prevent or mitigate flooding in different communities all throughout the country. Because these projects were either substandard or were entirely not implemented (or ghost), we now see its effects as detrimental to the lives of people, especially the poor.
Enough is enough. We demand accountability from those involved whether they are legislators, civil servants or private contractors. The current Congressional investigations should be complemented with the setting up of an independent commission composed of members with proven competency, integrity, honesty and statesmanship. This independent commission should not only investigate the multi-billion corruption committed on flood control projects but more importantly prosecute all the wrongdoers whoever they may be. We need to punish the guilty so that the Filipino people will finally learn that involvement in any form of corruption does pay.
As a network of educational institutions, we value and teach honesty, accountability, responsibility, hardwork, perseverance, and integrity, among others. Corruption scandals like these affect our efforts to properly educate young people because what they see in government is the opposite of the values we teach them. Corruption affects our work of education. We call on our schools to patiently insist on what is right and moral by teaching our students the values congruent to common good. Our schools shall provide opportunities and spaces for discussions on the ill effects of corruption on public works projects, bringing into a deeper understanding that the lives of thousands of people, especially the poor and powerless, is further made worse by corruption.
De La Salle Philippines
September 15, 202
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