₱260-MILLION QUESTION: MARCOS SLAMS KENNON ROAD PROJECT AS USELESS

THE SHOCKING REVELATION
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has sparked heated discussion after publicly declaring that the ₱260-million Kennon Road project yielded “no real benefit” for the people. His statement sent shockwaves across the country, raising eyebrows and stirring public anger over how such a staggering amount of money could be spent without delivering tangible improvements.

A BUDGET LOST IN THE MOUNTAINS
Kennon Road, known as one of the most crucial gateways to Baguio City, has long been plagued by landslides, erosion, and frequent closures during the rainy season. The multimillion-peso rehabilitation project was supposed to address these issues, promising a safer and more reliable passage for travelers and goods. Yet, according to the President, the project failed to achieve its purpose—leaving many to wonder: where did the money really go?

FILIPINOS DEMAND ANSWERS
The revelation has fueled a wave of public frustration, especially at a time when many communities still struggle with basic infrastructure like proper roads, flood control, and public transport systems. Social media platforms exploded with questions: How could ₱260 million vanish without accountability? Who approved and monitored the project? Was corruption involved?

THE BIGGER ISSUE: ACCOUNTABILITY
While Kennon Road is the immediate focus, the President’s remarks shine a harsh light on the broader issue of governance in the Philippines. For decades, infrastructure projects have been marred by allegations of overpricing, poor planning, and lack of transparency. The Kennon Road debacle is now seen as another symptom of a deeper, systemic problem.

LOCAL VOICES SPEAK OUT
Residents near Kennon Road expressed disappointment, noting that despite the huge budget, the road remains as dangerous as ever. “Every rainy season, we still fear landslides. What was the money even used for?” one local remarked. Transport groups echoed the sentiment, pointing out that drivers continue to risk their lives on a road that should have been made safer years ago.

POLITICAL RAMIFICATIONS
Critics argue that the statement from President Marcos could either signal a genuine crackdown on wasteful spending or serve as political theater meant to shift blame. Either way, it puts pressure on government agencies, contractors, and local officials who were involved in the ₱260-million project. Lawmakers are now expected to demand a formal investigation.

THE COST OF FAILURE
Beyond wasted money, the failure of the Kennon Road project has real human costs. Unsafe conditions have led to accidents, disrupted trade routes, and economic losses for local businesses dependent on tourism and transport. For many Filipinos, this is not just a story about numbers—it is about lives put at risk due to government inefficiency.

CALLS FOR REFORM
Advocates for good governance are now urging stronger transparency measures in public infrastructure. Proposals include mandatory third-party audits, stricter bidding processes, and harsher penalties for contractors who deliver substandard work. The Kennon Road case, they argue, should serve as a wake-up call for the entire nation.

LOOKING AHEAD
Whether President Marcos’s statement will lead to meaningful reforms or fade into another political controversy remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Filipinos are demanding answers. The ₱260-million price tag is more than just a statistic—it symbolizes years of frustration with a system that too often fails to deliver.

CONCLUSION: THE PEOPLE DESERVE BETTER
The Kennon Road controversy is not just about one failed project. It represents the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and genuine leadership in handling public funds. As Filipinos continue to grapple with the consequences of wasted resources, the call grows louder: taxpayers deserve more than excuses—they deserve results.