MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan urged Filipinos to reject candidates with records of corruption and dishonesty, saying clean and competent leadership is essential in solving the country’s recurring flood problems.

“Noong unang panahon, mga pulitiko namomorsyento sa proyekto ngunit sa tindi ng pangungurakot, proyekto na lang ang namomorsyento sa pulitiko,” Pangilinan said, claiming that as much as 70 percent of project budgets are lost to corruption. “That’s not just a leak in the system–that’s a flood. No wonder our projects are delayed or substandard.”

He said the persistent flooding seen in recent weeks is not only due to natural causes but also to poor drainage, clogged systems, lack of maintenance, questionable infrastructure planning, and widespread graft.

“Ilang taon nang pinaglalaanan ng bilyon-bilyong pondo ang flood control. Pero bakit ganito ang resulta? The pattern is clear: corruption in public infrastructure is not just inconvenient–it is dangerous, costly, and unjust,” the senator added.

Pangilinan reaffirmed his push for legislation to strengthen flood control programs, improve disaster risk management, and enhance transparency in government projects.

His Senate Bill No. 225, or the proposed National Water Resources Management Act, seeks to establish a coordinated framework for managing the country’s water resources, improve flood prevention, and protect communities vulnerable to climate-induced disasters. The measure also proposes the creation of a Department of Water Resources and a Bureau of Flood Control and Drainage.