MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Monday called on Filipinos to stay vigilant as investigations continue into alleged large-scale corruption in flood control projects involving Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and several lawmakers.

In an interview on ANC’s Headstart, Pangilinan said citizens should not remain neutral amid the controversy that has sparked nationwide protests.

“Tuloy-tuloy lang. We should remain vigilant, and sabi ko nga, the hottest place in hell is reserved for those who during times of crisis choose to remain neutral,” Pangilinan said.

The senator joined the September 21 “Trillion Peso March” with fellow opposition lawmakers Senators Bam Aquino and Risa Hontiveros and Representatives Leila de Lima and Chel Diokno. He described the mass protest as “democracy in action” that demonstrated “the power of the people.”

“It is a constitutionally guaranteed right for the people to assemble peacefully to redress our government or to raise issues against the government. The best check and safeguard against government abuses is a people that is united, organized, mobilized, and standing up for their rights,” he said.

Pangilinan added that the nationwide protests, which drew students, clergy, celebrities, social media influencers, and ordinary citizens, sent a strong message to those in power.

“But para maiwasan at hindi mabaon sa limot itong isyu na ito ay dapat tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang vigilance ng ating mga kababayan. Continue to organize. Continue to make our sentiments known,” he said.

He also encouraged Filipinos to voice their views respectfully, including on the official social media pages of government officials.

“Basta legitimate ang ating reklamo, ipaalam natin sa ating mga pulitiko at leaders,” Pangilinan said.