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In a Rappler+ briefing, reporters Lian Buan, Dwight de Leon, Jairo Bolledo, and Patrick Cruz talk about how they developed their investigative items and the challenges they confronted uncovering systemic corruption within the nation
MANILA, Philippines – Rappler reporters mentioned with anti-corruption advocates on Wednesday, December 10, their corruption scandal investigations that helped spark a motion for transparency and accountability.
In a Rappler+ briefing led by investigative editor Chay Hofileña, reporters Lian Buan, Dwight de Leon, Jairo Bolledo, and Patrick Cruz shared how they got here up with their investigative items and the hurdles they confronted in working to uncover the systemic corruption within the nation.
Amongst those that attended the dialogue had been artist-activist Mae Paner, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, and political scientist Kiko Dee. Paner co-organized the Baha sa Luneta protests in Manila whereas David and Dee had been a part of the Trillion Peso March in EDSA.
De Leon shared that his investigations on the development corporations tied to former Ako Bicol consultant Zaldy Co and CWS Consultant Edwin Gardiola began from “open secrets and techniques,” which he pursued and verified.
“Open secrets and techniques – they’re solely rumors till info made them plain. So, work with us, journalists, who can set up these open secrets and techniques as info,” he mentioned, calling on the general public to share the “open secrets and techniques” they know as these might be leads for journalists’ tales.
Buan harassed how the nation is run by what she referred to as “freelance politicians,” or public officers who nook authorities mission contracts. She additionally famous that unprogrammed appropriations, which is a “basket of funds,” soared underneath the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“We’re simply run by dynasts who moonlight as public officers,” Buan mentioned.
Bolledo, in the meantime, highlighted the significance of speaking to individuals for days to search out somebody who could be prepared to be a supply in Davao Metropolis – the stronghold of the Dutertes – in order to solidify his investigative items in regards to the infrastructure initiatives of the household’s allies.
“Belief your trails. Trails are mainly the investigative proof that we’ve, however most significantly, you need to construct rapport with individuals. I won’t be able to finish my story and investigation in Davao Metropolis if I didn’t construct rapport and present individuals my sincerity about investigating the Dutertes and [Glenn] Escandor and why it’s necessary to hunt accountability,” he mentioned.
Cruz’s curiosity, then again, paved the way in which for his investigative piece about contractor Lawrence Lubiano’s donation to Senator Chiz Escudero’s marketing campaign. Escudero was ousted amid a Senate probe into the flood management scandal, which concerned Lubiano.
“We would see the marketing campaign of politicians backed by authorities contractors within the 2028 elections if we is not going to do one thing about it,” Cruz mentioned, noting that the Fee on Elections cleared Escudero and Lubiano of legal responsibility.
The Rappler reporters additionally shared their struggles equivalent to defending their sources after their experiences had been printed and coping with a requirement letter.
Authorities investigation into infrastructure initiatives started after Marcos condemned the anomalous initiatives amid a sequence of floods throughout his State of the Nation Handle in July.
The President then shaped an Impartial Fee for Infrastructure to look into the allegations of flood management corruption.
Each chambers of Congress have additionally carried out inquiries into the scandal. – Rappler.com
