Governor points finger to failed flood control project under his term

By Jed Queenny Cruz

Governor Fredenil “Oto” Castro, who has held political power in Capiz for decades, now finds himself in the hot seat over the failed Angub River Control Project. Instead of owning up to his connection, he is quick to pass the blame elsewhere, conveniently distancing himself from a project that was approved and funded in 2019, when he himself was congressman of the 2nd District of Capiz.

Records show that the project carried a P94 million budget under his watch. While Castro insists he had nothing to do with it, the timeline and approvals clearly tie the project back to his tenure. The governor, however, tries to divert attention by citing contractors and supposed affiliations of other personalities, as if these could erase the fact that he was the district’s representative when the deal was green lighted.

This is where the problem lies: leaders who are quick to claim credit when projects succeed, but equally quick to wash their hands when those projects collapse. Accountability should not be optional. If public officials cannot be held responsible for projects approved under their watch, then who should answer for wasted funds and failed infrastructure?

It's easy to point fingers at anyone especially now that Filipinos are so eager for justice concerning the corrupted flood control projects; but we should stay vigilant in making sure that information we digest is truthful and just released to add to the chaos.