A Collision of Accusations: The Flood Control Scandal and the Battle for a Public Apology

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

An explosive clash has erupted between Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Congressman Benny Abante, igniting a national conversation about alleged corruption within the government. At the heart of the matter are Magalong's claims that a "highly syndicated and organized crime activity" is widespread among powerful individuals, specifically involving 67 lawmakers in questionable flood control projects.

Magalong has accused these lawmakers of colluding with contractors, leading to corrupt practices and substandard infrastructure that fails to prevent flooding. He alleges that legislators pocketed kickbacks of up to 40 percent of project costs. According to the mayor, this scheme operates as a "royalty fee" where lawmakers supposedly take around 3 percent of a project's contract cost for allowing contractors to act as their fronts.

Magalong's accusations are not limited to one area; he asserts that this type of corruption is "all over the country" and "pervasive." He expressed surprise that the House of Representatives initiated an investigation, likening it to "telling the criminal, 'Investigate yourself and find out the crime you committed.'" He also demanded that if called to Congress, he be treated as a "resource person" and not intimidated.

The House has pushed back. Congressman Benny Abante, the chair of the House Committee on Human Rights, has publicly rebuked Magalong for labeling the House probe a "moro-moro" (sham). He has demanded that the mayor present evidence to back up his claims and has offered him a chance to apologize, suggesting that Magalong may have been "swept up by his emotions."

In a dramatic response, Magalong stood his ground, stating, "No public apology, I've said what I said." The confrontation highlights a deep-seated issue of mistrust and accountability, with one side calling for an end to long-standing corruption and the other demanding proof and a retraction. This isn't just a political squabble; it's a high-stakes battle that could reveal the true extent of corruption in the country's flood control projects.

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