Senator Bam Aquino blamed corruption and greed for the more than 200 deaths and widespread destruction caused by Typhoons Uwan and Tino.
Aquino said the devastation left by the twin typhoons was not only a result of natural forces but also of human negligence, misuse of funds, and long-standing corruption in government infrastructure projects.
“Nakamamatay ang katiwalian at kasakiman. Ito ang dapat sisihin sa pagkawala ng napakaraming buhay, pagkawasak ng ari-arian, at pagkawala ng kabuhayan ng marami nating mga kababayan,” Aquino said. He stressed that the effects of the disasters were worsened by substandard flood control projects that failed to protect vulnerable communities.
The senator cited reports of billions of pesos allocated for flood control systems in Cebu province, which did not function as intended during the heavy rains. He said the apparent failure of these projects suggested anomalies and poor construction linked to corruption.
“Kung nagawa lang nang maayos ang mga proyektong ito, siguradong tama ang proteksiyong naibigay nito sa ating mga kababayan sa Cebu. Pero mukhang isinantabi ang kapakanan ng mamamayan para sa pansariling interes ng iilang tiwali sa pamahalaan,” Aquino said.
Aquino also pointed out that greed has taken a toll on the environment, worsening the impact of flooding. He noted that forest areas that once served as natural protection had been cleared due to unchecked exploitation. “Dahil sa kasakiman, nakalbo na ang mga kagubatan na nakatulong sana para mapigil ang pagbaha at makapagbigay ng dagdag na proteksiyon sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.
The senator emphasized the need for long-term reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future. “Mahalagang maglatag ng pangmatagalang solusyon sa paulit-ulit na pagbaha upang hindi na maulit ang nangyari sa Cebu at iba pang bahagi ng bansa,” Aquino said.
He also called for accountability for those involved in irregular and failed projects, saying the loss of life caused by corruption should not go unpunished. “Dapat ding papanagutin ang mga nasa likod ng maanomalya at palpak na flood control projects. Nasa mga kamay nila ang dugo ng mga nasawi sa kalamidad na ito dahil sa kanilang katiwalian at kasakiman,” he declared.
