Endgame of the DPWH corruption scandal

Much as I would like to write a column on another topic, it seems almost impossible. The news, blogs, posts, and reactions in the main/social media and in daily conversations about the trillion-pesos overpriced, substandard, and ghost infrastructure projects are so compelling, overwhelming, and inescapable. The billions that went to the politicians and the corrupt contractors, and their displayed lavish lifestyles and assets are beyond imagination and mind-blogging. Some people actually find these news and information depressing and tune out from them, but majority of the Filipino people, including the Gen X, Y, and Z generations are angry, indignant, and want action. 

Going by the history of Philippine politics, the government and democratic practices since it gained independence in 1945, we can surmise the probable endgame scenarios of the ongoing revelations and investigations. Inputting the economic and educational progress of the Filipinos in all these years, especially in information technologies, and the family/barangay-oriented Filipino culture, a full-scale revolution like in Nepal or violent protests like in Indonesia are not likely to happen. The information technologies and social media that exposed the political corruptions and enflamed the youth in those countries have had lesser effects in the Philippines.

 In an ideal world with Christian or universal moral standards, half of the senators, congressmen and government officials would be found guilty, impeached, or thrown in prison together with the contractors. The government would also recover most of the plundered/stolen wealth, and more accountable governance and government officials put in place. But, given our flawed political and justice system and processes, family orientation/connections, it would be an achievement if 20% of the accused government official would be found guilty and punished. These would include the DPWH officials and some senators and congressmen. The not-so-distant experience in the Napoles pork barrel scam, the COVID-19 supplies scandal, and then confidential funds diversions, are proof of our flawed justice system and enforcement. Maybe convicting three senators, seven DPWH and other government officials involved will be dismissed, and the private contractors fined/blacklisted. The convicted senators and congressmen may have to resign or be impeached, but unlikely to be imprisoned as we have experienced all these years with convicted senators and congressmen. They are either in hospitals, out of the country, or defended by expensive lawyers. The accused persons, who are now eager to be “state witnesses” may have to do jail time, depending on their cooperation and restitution agreement.

 The endgame that the BBM administration and politicians want is to partially but adequately satisfy/appease the anger and clamor of the people for justice and accountability, without a major disruption on the economy and the political structure. They are confident that since majority of the people are enjoying relative economic/financial progress and stability, they do not really want a revolution. The government will be promising an evolution to a better and more accountable governance and government for the Filipinos.

 On a scale of 1 to 100, the anger and indignation of the people on this DPWH corruption scandal may have reached 65% in numbers and degrees. Not yet at the level reached in the EDSA Revolution which I estimate at 85%, but high and strong enough for immediate and significant government response. Hopefully, it will be enough to change the political and social dynamics in the country in the near and long term.