PALO, Leyte — Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla likened the ongoing flood control controversy to a “different kind of war” that has placed the country in an embarrassing position, as he delivered his message during the 81st Leyte Gulf Landings Commemoration on Monday, October 20.
“The Philippines is now fighting a different kind of war — one that has tarnished the government’s reputation and eroded the people’s trust,” Petilla said, referring to the alleged irregularities involving flood control projects across the country.
He said the controversy, which has implicated contractors, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) personnel, and even elected officials, has drawn not only national attention but also concern from the international community.
“Even members of the diplomatic corps have been asking — if there are those found involved, will they be punished? Will justice be served?” Petilla said.
Drawing a parallel between the present scandal and the wartime sacrifices of Filipino and Allied soldiers, Petilla warned against allowing such corruption to persist.
“Just like any war, this should not happen again. If they go unpunished, our forefathers who fought and died 81 years ago on this very land would rise from their graves and ask us, ‘Are you worth dying for?’” he said.
To ensure accountability, Petilla said the provincial government now requires contractors to submit daily time-lapse videos of their ongoing projects.
He added that artificial intelligence (AI) will soon be used to monitor whether projects are implemented according to approved specifications.
“We’re using time-lapse monitoring to check every detail — down to the last inch. This will help us prevent substandard or ghost projects and ensure that public funds are properly used,” the governor emphasized.
The 81st Leyte Gulf Landings Commemoration, themed “Freedom’s Price: Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future,” marked the historic return of Allied Forces led by General Douglas MacArthur to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation during World War II.
This year’s event was attended by Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown, Japan Embassy Charge d’Affaires Minister Ono Sho, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, who served as guest speaker.
Six of the 12 remaining living World War II veterans also graced the ceremony.
In his message, Minister Sho paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the war, highlighting how the Philippines and Japan have since built strong ties of friendship and development cooperation — including projects such as the San Juanico Bridge and the planned second bridge linking Leyte and Samar.
Ambassador Innes-Brown reaffirmed Australia’s enduring alliance with the Philippines, noting that their partnership extends beyond wartime camaraderie to modern challenges, including the humanitarian response and recovery efforts following Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ that pummeled Leyte and the region on November 8, 2013.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
