By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Amid an ongoing investigation into the ‘ghost’ and anomalous flood control projects that also unearthed lapses in other government public works, the citizenry is closely monitoring the developments behind this pressing national concern.
This is reflected in the results of the Tugon ng Masa survey on the probe into corruption in government infrastructure projects held by OCTA Research from September 25-30, which shows the statistical interpretation of public sentiments on this startling revelation laid out by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his 4th State of the Nation Address on July 28.
The survey notes 83% of respondents favoring the Chief Executive’s decision to publicly expose corruption in government flood control projects, echoing the public’s call for greater transparency and accountability in the management and utilization of public funds.
This public goodwill is reflected across socioeconomic classes and major areas such as in the National Capital Region (91%), Balance Luzon (90%), Visayas (64%), and Mindanao (78%).
Filipinos likewise expressed anger or outrage over misused public funds on government infrastructure projects, with 60% of the surveyed participants bearing such strong emotional response over this social issue, 30% worrying about its repercussions on government performance and delivery of public services, and 9% expressing sadness or disappointment.
The citizenry, moreover, underscored the importance of citizen participation vis-à-vis independent oversight, with 46% of respondents hailing the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as the most suitable body to unearth the truth behind the flood control mess.
This reflects the preference of the masses for non-partisanship, impartiality, and credibility in the government’s anti-corruption efforts, echoing the earlier nationwide call to end this malpractice as evidenced by mass protests across the archipelago on September 21.
The survey further noted public expectations on the results of the flood control probe, with Filipinos expecting five outcomes from the resolution of this issue:
- Holding corrupt officials and contractors accountable (68%)
- Recovery of lost or misused public funds (58%)
- Imprisonment of those proven guilty (58%)
- Ensuring efficient implementation of quality flood control projects (41%)
- Strengthening transparency and monitoring of government infrastructure projects (34%)
This independent and non-partisan poll was conducted using face-to-face interviews on 1,200 male and female respondents aged 18 years and above, with a ±3% margin of error. (with report from Harley Valbuena | PTV News)
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