Antipolo bishop urges Senate to continue probe of flood control projects

LUCENA CITY — Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos has called on the Senate to continue its investigation into the alleged anomalies involving multimillion-peso flood control projects.

In a message titled “A Call to Conscience, Truth, and Justice,” posted on the diocese’s official Facebook page on Saturday (June 27), Santos said the Senate blue ribbon committee should pursue the inquiry in the interest of truth and accountability.

“The blue ribbon investigations must continue. Not selectively, not as a political weapon, not as a means of escape, but as a path toward truth and accountability,” Santos said.

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READ: Erwin Tulfo-led blue ribbon panel resumes flood control probe

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The bishop lamented what he described as the effects of corruption on the public, particularly during the rainy season.

“As rains return and floods rise again, we see the consequences of corruption. We suffer because of the greed of those who were entrusted with public service, such as politicians, contractors, and officials who were reminded, ‘Have some shame.'”

Santos also criticized what he described as the lack of accountability among those allegedly responsible.

“Let there be remorse. Those responsible show no repentance. They are neither caught nor punished. We hear only speeches, grandstanding, and excuses,” he said.

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READ: NBI chief dares Defensor: Sue my wife over flood control claims

The Senate blue ribbon committee conducted a series of hearings in 2025 and early 2026 on alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.

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During the hearings, engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), contractors, and other government officials testified. Some witnesses made allegations implicating several politicians and former DPWH officials, although those named denied the accusations or questioned the credibility of the witnesses.

As of late June, the committee has yet to conclude its investigation. Proceedings have slowed because of changes in Senate leadership and internal disputes, leaving the inquiry pending.

Santos said the public should not allow allegations of corruption and their consequences to fade from memory.

“We must not ignore, conceal, or allow to fade from memory the cheating, theft, and loss of life caused by corruption, especially in the misuse of public funds for flood control projects,” he said.

“We know that the problem does not lie in one agency alone; it is far wider, far deeper, and far more damaging to our nation,” he added.

The bishop also called for restitution and the equal application of the law.

“Let there be reparation. What was stolen must be returned. Justice must be applied to anyone, to everyone, without fear or favor,” he said.

Santos likewise encouraged the faithful to join the White Ribbon March scheduled for Sunday at the EDSA People Power Monument, organized by religious and civil society groups calling for government accountability and reforms.

“And in the spirit of peace, unity, and moral courage, we make ourselves available to participate peacefully and to attend the Holy Mass at the EDSA Shrine,” he said.

“This is our Christian duty — to remember, to speak the truth, to demand justice, to pray for conversion, to stand with the people, and to walk in the light.”

He added that all churches under the Diocese of Antipolo would offer Sunday Masses for justice, the conversion of hearts, and for public officials to place the common good above personal interests.

“We offer all Sunday Masses for this intention: that our government officials may think first of the common good, the poor, the vulnerable, and the future of our children,” Santos said.

Church bells in all Catholic churches under the Diocese of Antipolo will also ring at 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m.

“Bells will ring daily as the cries of the people and reminders that God sees all,” the diocese said.

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“Let these bells become the cry of our suffering people, the call for us to stand with them, and the alarm that God sees all, knows all, and will judge all,” Santos said. /das