Romnick Sarmenta has spoken out on the Philippines’ recurring flood problems, saying the issue stems from greed, corruption and environmental abuse.
Sarmenta recently took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to point out what he believes are the real causes of massive flooding in the country, which go beyond flood -control anomalies.
‘Deforestation. Mining. ‘Development for residential areas’ – these are the reasons you need flood control,’ the actor wrote. ‘So the problem doesn’t begin and stop at DPWH projects. It begins with greed. That would include ALL corrupt officials at every level. La pang nakakasuhan? (No one has been charged yet?)’
Sarmenta’s post came as the Philippines reeled from the aftermath of Typhoon Tino, which caused deadly flooding and landslides across Cebu and nearby provinces earlier this week.
Deforestation. Mining. “Development for residential areas” – these are the reasons you need flood control. So the problem doesn’t begin and stop at DPWH projects. It begins with greed.That would include ALL corrupt officials in every level.La pang nakakasuhan? The calamity in Cebu also brought back discussions on celebrity engineer Slater Young’s Monterrazas project, a luxury residential development built on the slopes of Barangay Guadalupe.
Young’s Monterrazas was marketed as a ‘terraced, Banaue-inspired’ mountainside community, which has faced criticism since 2023. Critics argue that such construction could trigger landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.
Meanwhile, Cebu Gov. Pam Baricuatro expressed her anger, saying the flood-control projects could have helped mitigate the severity of the calamity if not for corrupt politicians.
‘?26 billion ($440 million) of flood control funds for Cebu, yet we are flooded to the max,’ she wrote on Facebook. ‘Yes, flood control funds go directly to DPWH, not the Province, but that doesn’t mean it does not find its way to politicians.’
‘I am furious about the recent flash flood that claimed lives and destroyed properties. This tragedy did not have to happen. Our people deserve leadership that acts decisively to prevent these disasters and protect our communities,’ she continued in a separate post.