ML party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has blasted the Philippines’ corruption-ridden infrastructure record, saying South Korea’s decision to stop a ₱28.8 billion loan is a wake-up call on how the country is perceived abroad.
In a Facebook post, De Lima did not mince words: “Nakakahiya! Tama lang na magduda ang ibang mga bansa sa kakayahan pa nating magsagawa ng mga proyekto nang walang kurakot.” She added that foreign governments must also think of the Filipino people who end up paying for debts “na ibinulsa lang ng iilan.”
Her remarks came after South Korean President Lee Jae-myung announced the immediate halt of a 700-billion won (around ₱28.8 billion) project in the Philippines, citing its “potential for corruption.” Lee said the move prevented the “unnecessary waste of taxpayer money” and risks of mismanagement.
According to The Hankyoreh, the loan was tied to Seoul’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) and connected to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s plan to build about 350 modular bridges across rural areas. South Korea’s Ministry of Strategy and Finance had earlier flagged the loan as a “poorly performing project” with suspected involvement of corrupt actors.
The Department of Finance (DOF), however, countered Lee’s claim, insisting, “No such loan exists.”
De Lima criticized the Duterte administration’s debt and alleged misuse of funds, citing the ballooning ₱6.8 trillion borrowed during his term compared to ₱1.3 trillion under the Aquino administration. She pointed to anomalies in flood control projects, pandemic procurement, and the controversial Pharmally deal, which she said “nagmistulang barya” compared to the billions lost in infrastructure schemes under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
She further warned that until systemic corruption is eradicated, other nations cannot be faulted for doubting the Philippines’ ability to handle massive loans responsibly: “Ipambibili lang ng mga Lamborghini at SUV ng mga demonyo sa gobyerno at kanilang mga kasabwat na kapitalista ang utang na binabayaran ng mga naghihirap na Pilipino.”
