Philippines' "Tongpats" Scandal Unleashed - Will $9.6 Billion Loot Be Recovered?
In a dramatic turn of events, the Philippines is currently embroiled in a corruption investigation that is unravelling the depth of alleged malpractice within the government. The investigations, which have the potential for legal consequences for those implicated, are shedding light on a culture of kickbacks and backroom deals that has long plagued the country's infrastructure projects.
The presidential palace has announced the formation of an independent body to investigate the damning allegations. This move comes as testimonies in the hearings reveal a tangled web of kickbacks and underhanded deals, with visual evidence including wads of cash allegedly given as grease money to district engineers and higher-ups.
One of the key terms under investigation is "tongpats," a term commonly used in Philippine engineering practice. Ex-DPWH district engineer Engr. Brice Ericson Hernandez has claimed that this term refers to a standard operating procedure (SOP) for senators, where a 30% kickback is expected. Hernandez has also implicated Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, claiming they received ₱355 million ($6.23 million) and ₱600 million ($10.5 million) worth of projects, respectively.
The Senate, which has been rocked by these investigations, is conducting livestream hearings on the matter, with the 24-member body actively probing the issue. Parallel probes are also being conducted by the House of Representatives.
The moment feels significant for Filipinos, as it may lead to a resolution of the long-standing flood woes and a long-term fix for the country's infrastructure issues. However, a burning question hangs in the air: Will this end in self-cleaning, self-snitching, or just the same old circus?
The investigations have dragged big names in both the House and Senate into the muddy waters of infrastructure corruption. The Pacifico "Curlee" II and Sarah Discaya, a wealthy business couple dubbed the "King and Queen of Flood Control," have given explosive testimony in the probe.
No-show Filipino contractors are being sought for arrest by the Senate in relation to the corruption probe. The Senate has also seen a shake-up, with the ouster of Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero from the Senate presidency.
Despite the search results not providing specific names or details of any persons currently under investigation in the Philippine Senate for corruption related to government-owned infrastructure projects, the investigations continue to unravel the depth of corruption, with potential legal consequences for those implicated. The moment feels less like politics and more like a cliffhanger - decision time is here.
