Amid the ongoing corruption controversies in the country, comedian and TV host Vice Ganda spoke out on Thursday, September 11, during the “Laro Laro Pick” segment on “It’s Showtime.”
While talking to 21-year-old contestant Ronron, who shared his experience of working at an early age of 14, Vice expressed his thoughts on the struggles faced by workers like Ronron. The comedian then took the opportunity to speak out against corruption.
“Ang korapsyon ay hindi lamang pagnanakaw ng salapi ng bayan, ito’y pagnanakaw ng pag-asa. Ito ay pagnanakaw ng pangarap. Ito ay pagnanakaw ng magandang posibilidad,” she said.
“At maraming tao na ang namatay dahil sa pagnanakaw niyo ng pondo ng bayan ‘di ba?,” Vice added.
Vice also posted this exchange on Facebook, captioning her post: “Ito ‘yung mga taong ninanakawan niyo. Hindi lang pera ang ninanakaw niyo kung hindi buhay.”
She also encouraged workers like Ronron to fight back against corruption by voting wisely.
Her words came as public anger grew over ghost flood-control projects and alleged kickbacks involving lawmakers and government officials.
Weeks before, President Ferdinand Marcos. Jr has ordered a full audit of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control initiatives, along with lifestyle checks on officials and public disclosure of projects.
The directive came after reports of corruption, ghost projects, and disproportionate contract awards linked to flood control programs since 2022.
At least 15 contractors are now under investigation after cornering a combined P545 billion program budget.
Amid the ongoing probe into these projects, public outrage has intensified as residents criticized the families of the involved contractors, exposing their lavish lifestyles and condemning the misuse of public funds.
Vice also weighed in, criticizing the extravagant living of these individuals. She shared how, during her own vacation in London, she was mindful of her spending, even cutting back on food, contrasting her modesty with the lavishness of those under scrutiny.
—Rosette Adel, John Marwin Elao; with reports by Newsflare via Reuters Connect
