In a flood of performative justice
From uncovering a rigged bidding process to linking contractors to several currently elected government officials, the administration has undoubtedly made great strides in unraveling the theft and corruption surrounding the country’s faulty flood control projects.
However, between a high-profile contractor-turned-possible-state-witness claiming that they “tried so many times to fight this process,” and questionable senators leading the proceedings in recent hearings—in true Filipino fashion—the probe into these anomalous flood control projects has been ironic, to say the least. Like that meme of three Spider-Men pointing at each other: a murder mystery set in a room where everyone is guilty.
It begs the question: are we watching justice unfold before our very eyes, or are we just witnessing yet another circus show?
Taking us for fools
Unfortunately, even when caught red-handed, the convicted political elite have developed foolproof responses that have historically shielded them from taking full accountability over their crimes—like my personal favorite: the magical development of a severe illness that requires them to be treated abroad (or the sudden need of a neck brace and wheelchair for whatever “injury” they may suddenly have).
Even if they do spend years in hiding or in prison, they go back to living regular lives once enough time has passed—and in some cases, allowed to run for office and elected—as if all were forgiven and forgotten.
And when our current system has historically defended thieves at the highest levels, can we fault the general public for their distrust of “due process?”
Whether or not our Blue Ribbon Committee is effectively rooting out the cause of this instance of corruption, I wouldn’t put it past the masses for viewing the ongoing investigations as a ruse—a performative display of justice meant to divert public rage onto a few cogs in a still-working machine.
Performative justice in a circus of clowns
Case in point: the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism recently released a list of high-ranking government officials who received campaign contributions from public works contractors, despite the Omnibus Election Code provision that prohibits them “from accepting contributions from entities that do business with the government.”
“If I weren’t president, I might be out in the streets with them,” said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in response to last weekend’s rallies. He reportedly received P20 million in campaign donations from Rudhil Construction & Enterprises Inc. during the 2022 elections. The firm was awarded P2.7 billion in infrastructure projects in 2023, and P3.5 billion the following year. And he isn’t the only one to have benefited from support during the elections.
That said, are they taking us for fools?
Even the recent “on-the-ground inspections” for suspected anomalous flood control projects have been insults to those who have been dealing with recurrent flooding.
Are these officials seriously telling us that they are angered and disappointed by what they see—and that they are surprised by the lack of progress or the use of substandard materials—when it is their job and responsibility to monitor these in the first place?
It’s performative justice in full display—officials playing the heroic role in denouncing the very evils that they themselves are guilty of to begin with.
Keep your eyes on the ball
The efforts and contributions by key government officials and witnesses have undoubtedly played a part in bringing years of corruption and theft to the public eye. But in a political arena that equates public servants to celebrities and personalities, it is almost certain that they will be glorified and regarded as heroes who effectively ended the flood control scam many years later.
If anything, expect future candidates to use these “feats” as symbols of legitimacy in the upcoming 2028 elections.
This isn’t to say that they shouldn’t be applauded for their efforts. But if we’re being honest here, there should be no room for gratitude when they’re simply doing what is expected of them. The bare minimum, so to speak.
Because until a financial report and full transparency completely absolves them of any form of corruption, they’re all just the same. Their performance may be impressive, but don’t let that distract you from the rotten stage they’re dancing on.
