Powerhouses Call for Corporate Clean‑Up: Manila’s Big 13 Demand Transparency on Pandemic Cash
It’s not just a single voice. A coalition of 13 heavyweight organizations—think universities, megacorporations, churches and civic groups—have bundled together to fire up a probe into how the Philippines spent its US$1.3 billion pandemic relief money. The bold move comes on a week where President Rodrigo Duterte’s cabinet has been told to “hang their heads in repentance” (or literally not show up) whenever a Senate investigation summons them.
Why the Hype?
- Unpacking corruption allegations: A state auditor spotted “deficiencies” in supply contracts, flagging shady deals that could’ve cost the government a fortune.
- Who’s in on the drama?: The 13 groups range from academia to religion, with one big ask: “Let’s find out if the money meant for health workers really made it to the frontline.”
- Floats the promise of transparency: Each of them emphasizes the need for lawful, honest, and open proceedings, not a theatrical show‑down.
Duterte’s “Cabinet Hold‑It” Directive
Last month, the President rolled out a pre‑script: ministers should pause, wait for his approval before stepping into Senate hearings. He’s insisting the crusade that’s building up is not a witch hunt for political gain. “There’s no doltery in these investigations, just somebody looking for a decent allocation plan.” He also said he was fine with the Senate’s probe it just wished they’d be less “interruptive” so his cabinet can focus on the pandemic and not playing the political game.
Health, Numbers and Late‑Night Rants
- COVID-19 toll in the Philippines: Over 2.6 million confirmed cases and more than 38,800 deaths. It’s one of Asia’s biggest losses in both casualties and economy.
- Presidential mood on Monday: During a late‑night address, Duterte declared “no trace of oopsies or misdirected funds” and urged senators “not to use the probe as a witch‑hunt for election gains.”
- The big question: Has the administration truly relied on the sound and proper use of the pandemic funds, or has your money slipped through a blurry bureaucratic chuck?
Context: A Close‑Curtain Moment for Duterte
Politics in Manila isn’t just about pandemic piles; it’s a full‑blown election cycle. The celebration of closing the registration window for next year’s elections puts Duterte’s allies—and Duterte himself—under the spotlight.
President Rodrigo Duterte, 76, promised “no graft” during his time in the mix. With no second term and thinking of a vice‑presidential run, he just said “I’ll step back” after a survey showed him dropping in rankings. One might say, “Is it a ‘respectfully served’ exit or a sly pivot?”
The Bottom Line
In short, the 13 heavy‑hitting groups are shouting for the Senate to play by the rules, the government to put evidence on display, and the entire operation to keep it honest—no more than a good old audit, no more “political drama.” The Philippines, with its great numbers and the central role of its pandemic funds, deserves one clear, honest verdict.