Senate Watch | Gatchalian: Corruption Mess Not a Reason to Scrap Infra Projects

Senator Win Gatchalian cautioned against abandoning infrastructure projects amid corruption controversies, saying that wrongdoing should be punished—but development should not be paralyzed.

Gatchalian’s remarks come as lawmakers scrutinize alleged irregularities in public works and infrastructure spending. While acknowledging the seriousness of corruption claims, he stressed that scrapping projects outright could harm communities that rely on roads, flood control systems, and public facilities for safety and economic activity.

According to the senator, the correct response is accountability, not abandonment. Investigations should identify those responsible, recover lost funds where possible, and fix weak systems—while allowing legitimate projects to continue. He warned that halting infrastructure entirely risks delaying essential services and undermining long-term growth.

The position reflects a broader policy dilemma: how to balance aggressive anti-corruption efforts with the need to sustain development. Gatchalian argued that reform should focus on procurement safeguards, transparency, and oversight, rather than blanket cancellations that may ultimately punish the public more than the perpetrators.

As Senate inquiries move forward, his statement reframes the debate—not as a choice between integrity and progress, but as a demand for both.

Quiet takeaway: Corruption must be confronted—but progress shouldn’t be collateral damage.