It is long past time for the Philippine Senate to set aside factionalism and prioritize the people it was elected to serve – starting with urgent issues like the anomalous flood control projects in Bulacan.
Year after year, Bulacan’s communities are devastated by monsoon floods. Billions of pesos have been allocated for critical initiatives: river dredging, dike construction, and drainage systems meant to protect residents. Yet despite massive investments, there has been little to no meaningful progress – these projects designed to shield families and livelihoods have instead become vehicles for corruption and abuse.
While senators clash over political divides and fall into “kampi-kampihan” factions, critical work stalls. Majority and minority blocs waste time on quarrels rather than addressing systemic failures. Factionalism has created a culture where alliances trump action, leaving ordinary Filipinos – especially the poor – to bear the brunt of negligence.
Bulacan’s floods destroy homes, erase livelihoods, and deepen hardship for families who can ill afford loss or delay. Funds meant to safeguard communities were siphoned off by opportunists, yet the Senate has failed to conduct thorough investigations or hold culprits accountable.
The “kampi-kampihan” culture must end. Factional divides have no place in a body tasked with serving all Filipinos. The Senate must unite to investigate these anomalies, get to the truth, and pass laws imposing strict penalties on those who steal from public coffers.
Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Only by setting aside differences and acting with integrity can our leaders fulfill their duty to the people.
