MANILA — CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva expressed satisfaction that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the issue of corruption in the flood control program during his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“I feel relieved and vindicated that the President heeds consistent calls to probe into flood control budgets in order to make sure that every peso serves its intended purpose—to protect our communities and save lives during disasters, not to enrich corrupt individuals,” Villanueva stated, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the substantial daily budget of over P1 billion is utilized effectively.

The lawmaker, who has repeatedly sounded the alarm over worsening floods, said they had hoped the President would outline clear, concrete steps to stop the misappropriation of public funds intended for development and essential services.

Villanueva also expressed hope that President Marcos would take a firm stance against online gambling, similar to his approach to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

“We also expected that the President, like what he did to POGOs, will declare his opposition to online gambling which is destroying many lives. Though not included in the speech, we hope that the President will still put equal emphasis and priority on these two crucial issues,” he remarked.

Reaffirming CIBAC’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in government, Villanueva concluded, “As for CIBAC Party-List, we will continue to be an objective fiscalizer towards a more transparent, accountable and effective government for the Filipino people.”

📷 CIBAC