Cayetano to public: Don’t jump to conclusions on solons linked to DPWH anomalies
MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker and Taguig- Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano has cautioned the public against “jumping into conclusions” should a lawmaker be identified as allegedly among those involved in anomalies at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“It’s not helpful if we’re in denial, to say that all congressmen are corrupt is very unfair at hindi totoo (it isn’t true). Para mong sinabing ang lahat ng pari, lahat ng businessman, at ng media korap. Pero pag baliktad naman, sabihin mo namang walang korap o walang nangyayaring ganon, in denial ka. Ang adik, bago mo mapagamot, kailangan i-admit niya na nagdodroga siya,” Cayetano told reporters on Friday, reacting on the report of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission’s (PACC) that less than 12 congressmen are implicated in the DPWH corruption claims.
(It’s like you are saying that all the priests, all businessmen, and the media are corrupt. But if you say that there is no corruption, it means you are in denial. An addict before being admitted for rehabilation should first admit that he is using drugs.)
“I think it is very important we have an independent, open, and transparent investigation. But also, let us not jump into conclusions. Porke sinabi yung pangalan ng kongresista, huwag nating sabihing totoo na kaagad iyon. Paano kung kalaban niya ang nagpapaano nu’n? Pero mayroong mga leads, kasi mayroon pong mga nasa DPWH at even sa congressman na iyong lifestyle at iyong dami ng pera, kaiba talaga po sa kapasidad niya,” the lawmaker went on.
(Just because a congressman was implicated, let’s not easily believe that claim. What if the one who is accusing him is his nemesis? But there are leads because there are some at the DOH and even congressmen who have that kind of lifestyle and have lots of cash.)
PACC Commissioner Greco Belgica revealed in a previous interview that less than 12 lawmakers were linked in the corruption-hit public works department. Specifically, the congressmen were reportedly getting kickbacks from contractors of government projects.
