SENATOR Leila De Lima highlighted the significant increase in national debt under the Duterte administration, amounting to 6.8 trillion pesos compared to 1.3 trillion pesos under the Aquino administration.
She accused the Duterte era of “desecrating” the Philippines through rampant corruption in flood control projects and during the Covid-19 pandemic, referencing the Pharmally scandal as a mere “coin” in comparison to the alleged massive theft in anomalous DPWH projects.
Meanwhile, De Lima has strongly criticized corruption in the Philippines, stating that it is “shameful” and understandable that other countries doubt the nation’s ability to execute projects without graft. De Lima emphasized the burden placed on Filipino citizens who ultimately bear the cost of debts that are allegedly pocketed by a select few.
The senator defended South Korea’s potential hesitation to provide loans, suggesting that the funds would only be used to purchase luxury vehicles by corrupt government officials and their capitalist accomplices, at the expense of struggling Filipinos. She concluded that until corruption is eradicated, it is difficult to fault those who are hesitant to lend money that will simply be stolen.
metrosundaily
