House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Second District Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe dismissed as baseless and self-serving the accusations made by First District Rep. Khymer Adan Olaso, calling them a smokescreen to hide his own shortcomings as a legislator.
Dalipe argued that Olaso’s failure to deliver significant projects and funding for his district is due to his own lackluster performance in Congress—not political maneuvering.
“This is not about politics. This is about competence, leadership, and hard work—all of which Olaso has failed to demonstrate as a House member. Instead of blaming others for his failures, he should reflect on his poor track record. His constituents deserve better than excuses and baseless allegations,” Dalipe said.
Lack of Engagement, Lack of Results
Dalipe pointed out that Olaso has been largely absent in crucial House deliberations, particularly budget hearings where lawmakers advocate for their district’s needs. His lack of participation, tardiness, and disengagement, Dalipe argued, are the real reasons why his district has not received the necessary projects and funding.
“The budget process is open and transparent. Lawmakers who actively participate in hearings and push for their district’s needs secure funding for vital projects. Unfortunately, Olaso has been missing in action and more focused on foreign travels. How can he expect results when he doesn’t even put in the effort?” Dalipe questioned.
House records, Dalipe noted, will show Olaso’s lack of involvement in key discussions, particularly during budget deliberations. Unlike hardworking legislators who fight for their constituents, Olaso has failed to make an impact in Congress.
“His voters should ask him: What has he actually done in Congress? What bills has he authored or sponsored that made an impact? What projects has he fought for in Zamboanga City’s First District? The answer is close to nothing—and now he is trying to blame others for his own failures,” Dalipe emphasized.
No Track Record, No Concrete Accomplishments
Dalipe also rejected Olaso’s claim that government assistance programs were deliberately withheld, stressing that such programs are allocated based on legal guidelines and feasibility—not political affiliations.
“He is just making excuses. His attacks on the Marcos administration insult the heads of agencies responsible for these programs. Government assistance and infrastructure projects are allocated based on need, feasibility, and proper submission of proposals. If he has nothing to show for his time in Congress, he has only himself to blame,” Dalipe said.
Instead of engaging in political theatrics, Dalipe urged Olaso to be accountable and answer to the people of Zamboanga City.
“Olaso is desperately playing the victim because he knows he has nothing to show to voters. No significant achievements, no major projects, and no real impact as a legislator. His failure to fight for his district’s needs is his own doing, and he should stop misleading the people with lies,” Dalipe stressed.
Voters Deserve Real Leadership, Not Political Drama
Dalipe called on Olaso to focus on real issues, performance, and concrete plans rather than resorting to baseless accusations and finger-pointing.
“Zamboanga City deserves a leader who works hard, delivers results, and puts the people first—not someone who disappears during crucial deliberations and then complains about a lack of projects,” Dalipe said.
He expressed confidence that voters will see through Olaso’s tactics and make decisions based on leadership and performance, not political noise.
“People can see who actually works and who just makes excuses. Instead of whining, Olaso should explain to the people why he has failed them as their congressman,” Dalipe concluded.