Youth leaders from Pasig, under the banner of PasigLaban, have released a strong statement condemning widespread corruption in flood control projects across the country. The group pointed to recent revelations by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who both highlighted how substandard projects failed to protect communities from severe flooding.
Despite billions allocated to flood mitigation, much of the funding allegedly ended up in the pockets of politicians and big contractors. The youth stressed that corruption has long been normalized in Philippine society, tolerated by many as if it were part of everyday governance.
“We, the youth, stand with the Pasig local government in pushing for honest leadership,” the group declared. They called on citizens to reject corruption at all levels, from the barangay to the national government, and to actively participate in civic spaces to demand accountability.
The statement urged Filipinos not to remain passive or resigned to systemic corruption. Instead, they encouraged people to use their rights to speak up and mobilize against abuses of public funds. The group emphasized that corruption should never be treated as normal, as it destroys not only the present but also the future of younger generations.
PasigLaban concluded that while the fight against corruption is long and difficult, it is a necessary path toward a more transparent and progressive Philippines. They vowed to continue raising their voices until public service is truly clean and accountable.
