Rep. Cha Hernandez Blasts Corruption, Calls for Accountability in Flood Control Projects

CALAMBA CITY, LAGUNA — The issue of widespread corruption in the Philippines’ flood control projects has drawn sharp criticism from Calamba City Representative Charisse Anne Hernandez, who has made a powerful and emotional plea for government accountability. The two-term congresswoman, who will turn 32 on September 8, expressed her deep shock and anger over allegations of “ghost projects,” substandard construction, and an alleged “monopoly” by a few contractors who have secured billions in public funds.

Speaking candidly, Rep. Hernandez lamented the systemic issues she believes are siphoning off billions, if not trillions, of pesos from the public funds. “I am watching, observing, and studying these exposes as a citizen, not just as someone inside the government,” she stated. “Especially in Congress, which is a very important branch, and I myself am truly shocked, ashamed, and furious. I would say what’s happening is a form of ‘demonism.” Hernandez said.

The lawmaker cited recent privilege speeches, exposes, and interviews revealing that as little as 40 to 60 percent of project funds actually reach their intended purpose. “That’s crazy,” she said. “This shouldn’t be happening, and it shouldn’t be allowed to continue.”

Rep. Hernandez believes a “systemic corruption” has taken root in the country. She urged citizens to think critically, setting aside political allegiances to prioritize their identity as Filipinos. “I have two young children, and I don’t want them to grow up in a country that is still like this,” she said.

A Personal Commitment to Public Service

The representative highlighted her own efforts to combat the problem, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring funds are returned to the people in her district. “What I do is encourage my fellow representatives and lawmakers to do what’s right,” she explained.

Rep. Hernandez is currently exploring ways to exert more control over her own jurisdiction, specifically with  local District Engineer and Regional Director of the Department of Public Works and Highways . She explained her approach to project selection: “Honestly, I don’t speak directly to the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways). I only choose projects based on requests from the barangays, and then I pass them on to Congress and the DPWH. They handle it from there. Every project I have comes from the grassroots because that’s what’s needed, not for profit, which is what seems to be happening in other places.”

A Call for Empathy and Action

The congresswoman expressed her fearlessness about being transparent, stating, “I’m not afraid to be transparent because there’s nothing [to hide], and that’s okay with me.” She affirmed that it is the people’s right to be angry, to investigate, and to think critically.

Instead of defending or explaining, Rep. Hernandez said she empathizes with the public’s frustration. “If I were on the other side, I would do the same thing,” she said. “I would post on social media, I would complain about these people who don’t care how they spend money.”

She added that the most infuriating part is that these individuals are not acting as true public servants. “It’s just for themselves,” she stated, highlighting the hard work put in by taxpayers. “You pay for my salary. We work hard. I always think to myself: the people pay for my salary, I shouldn’t be doing anything wrong.”

In closing her powerful statement, Rep. Hernandez said she and her colleagues in Congress are now discussing ways to create “safeguards” to curb corruption. While she doesn’t believe the issue can be stopped overnight, she hopes to at least put a check on the system. “We can look anyone in the eye and say we are not corrupt because we are not here for the money,” she concluded. “We are here to be a channel for good programs.”