House spox to Imee: This is the time for action, not politicking

The tension between Sen. Imee Marcos and House of Representatives spokesperson Princess Abante heightened after the latter accused the senator of politicking instead of focusing on addressing the problems of the San Juanico bridge.

MANILA, Philippines — The tension between Sen. Imee Marcos and House of Representatives spokesperson Princess Abante heightened after the latter accused the senator of politicking instead of focusing on addressing the problems of the San Juanico Bridge.

Abante presented data on Friday that debunked that Congress neglected the San Juanico Bridge.

“Nakakalungkot na habang tayo ay abala sa pagtugon sa problema sa San Juanico Bridge, may ilan na inuuna pa rin ang pamumulitika kaysa pagtulong—gaya ng mga patutsada ni Senadora Imee Marcos,” said Abante.

(It is sad that while we are busy addressing the problem at the San Juanico Bridge, some still prioritize politics over helping, such as the innuendos made by Sen. Imee Marcos.)

READ: House spox asks Imee: `What have you done for San Juanico bridge?

According to the spokesperson, since 2018, funds have been allocated every year for the rehabilitation of the bridge. Some of these are: P27 million in 2018; P22 million in 2019; P105 million in 2021; P90 million in 2022; P150 million in 2023, as well as a proposal of P400 million for 2026

Abante said this only means that the lower chamber is doing its job.

“Kaya nakapagtataka—at nakakatawa na rin—na si Senadora Imee pa ang nagtatanong kung bakit may aberya. Noong kampanya, proud siyang sabihing taga-Leyte siya. Tarpaulin dito, picture doon. Sinasabing may dugo rin siyang Waray.  Pero ngayong may krisis—imbes na tumulong, puro sisi?” said Abante.

(That’s why it’s surprising—and even funny—that Sen. Imee is the one asking why there’s a problem. During the campaign, she was proud to say she’s from Leyte. A tarpaulin here, a picture there. It’s said that she also has Waray blood. But now that there’s a crisis—instead of helping, she’s blaming others?)

In return, she asked the senator what she had done to address problems hounding the San Juanico Bridge.

READ: House leader seeks San Juanico probe

Abante also argued that budget is not a problem, believing that the issue lies in a lack of coordination and contingency plans, as well as insufficient action by agencies.

“Kung tunay tayong nagmamalasakit sa mga taga-Leyte at Samar, tumigil na tayo sa pasaring. Trabaho muna bago pulitika. Hindi ‘to panahon ng paandar—panahon ‘to ng pagtutulungan,” said Abante.

(If we truly care about the people of Leyte and Samar, let’s stop making excuses. Work first before politics. This is not a time for gimmicks—this is a time for cooperation.)

Marcos, the sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and daughter of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., under whose administration the San Juanico Bridge was established, previously claimed that only a small budget was allocated to the rehabilitation of the well-known structure./coa