As the southwest monsoon continues to hammer the country with heavy rains, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong demanded a deeper probe into the flood‑control scandal, insisting the investigation must go beyond senators, contractors, and projects already under scrutiny—and reach into the House of Representatives, including those serving as impeachment prosecutors.
Magalong, a former member of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), has long been a sharp voice against corruption in public works, especially flood‑control projects. He warned that members of the House are once again entangled in budget insertions, with the proposed 2027 national budget looming.
“Frustrating and very disappointing. Senador pa lang ang nagagalaw,” he said.
“‘Yung mga congressman, wala pa, pangiti‑ngiti lang sila. ’Yung iba nga sa kanila nandiyan pa sa impeachment prosecutors.”
“Bumalik na naman ang kanilang insertions. Nakuha nila ulit ang kanilang pork barrel,” he added.
His remarks came as parts of the country, including Baguio itself, continued to suffer from flooding and landslide threats. Magalong stressed the investigation must target not only project implementation but also the lawmakers and officials who controlled the allocation and approval of funds.
Magalong has previously exposed allegations involving legislators, contractors, and flood‑control projects, including claims that some lawmakers used contractors as mere fronts for government deals.
Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon, who serves as a House impeachment prosecutor in Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial, fired back at Magalong’s remarks, demanding hard evidence to justify claims against lawmakers. He insisted accusations must be backed with names and proof.
“Hindi ho makakapigil ‘yun pong ganitong slander laban sa House prosecution panel sa pagtutuloy sa paglalantad ng katotohanan sa Senate impeachment court proceedings,” Ridon said.
He challenged Magalong to identify the House prosecutors he was referring to and present evidence linking them to alleged insertions. Magalong, however, has stood firm, maintaining that the flood‑control probe must expose the role of lawmakers in both the allocation and implementation of infrastructure projects.
Ridon has been named by former Marines in the flood‑control investigation, accused of receiving “maletas” stuffed with cash as part of the payoff racket. Ridon has repeatedly defended Martin Romualdez, whom the Ombudsman has already branded the “mastermind” of the flood‑control scheme.
