Tonight, I plan to continue watching the delayed telecast of the news about the Philippines. I started watching it the other night but couldn’t finish—it was late, and my body, still recovering from the rhythm of night shifts, simply gave in. But the story has been lingering in my mind ever since, pulling me back. And so, later this evening, I will return to it, seeking the updates that I missed.

The broadcast is about the flood-control corruption scandal—a story that is both overwhelming and painfully familiar. According to a Reuters investigation, 15 out of over 2,000 approved contractors cornered nearly 20% of the ₱545 billion (≈ $9.6 billion) flood-control budget since 2022, with many projects allegedly substandard, undocumented, or nonexistent (Reuters, 2025).

More troubling were the testimonies reported by AP News, alleging that some senators and representatives accepted kickbacks ranging from 25–30% of these projects’ value (AP News, 2025a; AP News, 2025b). Those implicated deny the claims,

but the fact that funds intended to safeguard lives from floods may instead have been funneled into private pockets is heartbreaking.

The government’s immediate response included the resignation of the Public Works Secretary, the appointment of Vince Dizon, suspension of bidding for local flood-control projects, and promises to blacklist erring contractors and form an independent commission (Reuters, 2025; AP News, 2025a). These are bold words—but whether they will translate into sustained accountability remains to be seen.

When I first heard the reports last night, I felt a heavy mix of frustration and sorrow. Frustration that corruption still manages to seep into the very systems meant to protect people. Sorrow because many Filipinos are no longer surprised by these scandals; instead, they simply brace themselves for the next one.

But tonight, as I prepare to continue watching, I feel a sense of duty. To stay informed, even when it’s uncomfortable. To acknowledge that even from miles away, as an overseas Filipino worker, I remain connected to the fate of my country.

In my role as a nurse, trust is sacred. Patients place their lives in my care, and breaking that trust is unthinkable. Shouldn’t politics be held to the same standard? Betraying public trust doesn’t just waste money—it undermines the very hope of progress.

A Life Lesson

This unfolding scandal reminds me that silence and apathy are dangerous companions to corruption. Watching the news may feel like a small act, but it is an act of awareness. And awareness is the first step toward accountability.

Perhaps the lesson is this:

even when we feel powerless, we are never truly voiceless. Every time we pay attention, every time we speak about injustice, every time we refuse to normalize dishonesty, we are, in our own way, turning on the light.

References

• Reuters. (2025, September 4). Philippine groups demand independent investigation of ‘excessive corruption’ in government projects. Retrieved from Reuters
• AP News. (2025a, September 5). 2 Philippine senators implicated in flood control corruption inquiry but deny allegations. Retrieved from AP News
• AP News. (2025b, September 6). Explosive testimony identifies legislators, officials in Philippine flood-control corruption inquiry. Retrieved from AP News