Ghost, substandard flood control projects spark public outrage and call for justice

Filipinos are scratching their heads and bailing out on their flooded living rooms after revelations of ghost and substandard flood control projects were identified.

Billions were spent, but the only thing flowing smoothly is taxpayers’ money straight into thin air and down to the flood.

Is this “thin air” found in the atmosphere inside the mansions of the greedy and corrupt?

Instead of sturdy bridges and drainages, Filipinos are treated to deaths due to flood related incidences and lost homes that wheeze louder than karaoke machines under the disappointment of a Filipino citizen.

Some projects don’t even exist except in glossy brochures and ribbon-cutting selfies.

Now, as communities wade knee-deep in floodwaters, the public’s patience has evaporated faster than government accountability.

“We ask for flood control, not water parks.”

“We ask for accountability, RETURN OUR MONEY!”

A battle cry.

The outrage is real, the anger is swelling and calls for justice are louder than the monsoon rains.

The people want answers, not excuses; solutions, not denials.

While officials dry off in offices, the public is left to swim in the aftermath of ghost engineering and phantom progress.* (Kristine G. Alonso)