MANILA, Philippines — Malacanang warned that government will not hesitate to prosecute individuals who will sabotage the government’s flood control measures, including stealing valuable parts of pumping stations.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro issued the warning amid reports that some components from the pumping stations are being stolen which affect their operations.
“To everyone committing this sabotage: the law will come after you. We will hold you accountable, because lives and livelihoods could be severely affected by your selfish actions,” Castro said.
In a video message shared to Palace reports, she described the theft as “deeply saddening” because President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “is doing to counter the floods is for the benefit of everyone.”
“The President takes pride in the pumping stations that have been repaired and are now operational, which is one of the reasons why — even during extremely heavy and continuous downpours that cause flooding — the floodwaters now recede much faster in various parts of Metro Manila,” she said.
However, because these valuable parts of the pumping stations were stolen, they will not function properly, the Palace press officer said.
“We will have to spend money again just for these replacements. What if we cannot secure replacements immediately? They won’t be fixed right away, which will once again cause floodwaters to recede slowly,” Castro said in Filipino.
“Let us not be selfish. Lives, health, and properties will be affected because of these thefts,” she said.
“Do not sabotage the projects of the President. Let us cooperate. We are all Filipinos. Let us all be good Filipinos,” Castro added.
