Leyte Gov.Carlos Jericho Petilla used the 81st anniversary of the Leyte Gulf landings on Monday to denounce the ongoing flood control controversy, describing it as a ‘different kind of war’ that has placed the country in an embarrassing state.
In his message delivered during the anniversary program, Petilla said the issue, which has implicated several contractors, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) personnel, and even elected officials, has severely eroded public trust and tarnished the reputation of government institutions.
‘The reputation of the government is tarnished and the confidence of the people in the government has been significantly eroded,’ Petilla said before foreign diplomats, war veterans, and local officials gathered at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo.
He added that even members of the diplomatic community have been asking about the progress of the investigation and whether those found guilty will be held accountable.
‘Just like any war, this should not happen again. If they go unpunished, our forefathers who fought and died 81 years ago in this land where we are standing right now will probably rise from their graves and tell us, ‘Are you worth dying for?” Petilla declared.
The 81st Leyte Gulf Landings Commemoration, themed ‘Freedom’s Price: Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future,’ marked the historic return of Allied Forces led by General Douglas MacArthur to liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation during World War II.
This year’s event was graced by Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown, Japan Embassy Charge d’Affaires Minister Ono Sho, and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, who served as guest speaker.
Six of the 12 remaining living World War II veterans also graced the ceremony.
In his message, Minister Sho paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the war, highlighting how the Philippines and Japan have since built strong ties of friendship and development cooperation – including projects such as the San Juanico Bridge and the planned second bridge linking Leyte and Samar.
Ambassador Innes-Brown reaffirmed Australia’s enduring alliance with the Philippines, noting that their partnership extends beyond wartime camaraderie to modern challenges, including the humanitarian response and recovery efforts following Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ that pummeled Leyte and the region on Nov. 8, 2013.