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 look at his own poor track record. His constituents deserve better than excuses and baseless allegations,” Dalipe said.
Lack of Participation, No Results for His District
Dalipe noted that Olaso hardly participates in important House deliberations, particularly in budget hearings, where lawmakers fight for the needs of their districts. His absence, tardiness and lack of engagement, he said, are the real reasons why he has failed to deliver projects and programs to his constituents.
“The budget process is open and transparent. Lawmakers who actively engage, participate in hearings, and push for their district’s needs are able to secure funding for vital projects. Unfortunately, Olaso has been missing in actionand became obsessed in foreign travels. How can he expect results when he does not even put in the effort?” Dalipe asked.
He added that House records will show Olaso’s lack of participation in key discussions, particularly during budget deliberations. Unlike hardworking legislators who tirelessly lobby for their districts and engage with national government agencies, Olaso has failed to make his presence felt, contributing nothing to the legislative process that could benefit his constituents.
“His voters should ask him: What has he actually done in Congress? What bills has he authored or sponsored that made an impact or even became law? What projects has he worked hard to bring to Zamboanga City’s First District? The answer is close to nothing—and now he is trying to blame others for his own failures,” Dalipeemphasized.
No Track Record, No Concrete Accomplishments
Dalipe also countered Olaso’s claim that government assistance programs were deliberately withdrawn, pointing out that such programs follow strict legal guidelines of the Departments and are allocated based on clear implementation mechanisms—not political affiliations.
“He is just making excuses. His tirades against the Marcos administration is an insult to the Heads of Agencies. Government assistance and infrastructure projects are allocated to regions, provinces, and cities based on need, feasibility, and proper submission of proposals. If he cannot show anything for his time in Congress, he has only himself to blame,” Dalipe said.
Instead of engaging in political theatrics, Dalipe urged Olaso to explain his own record—or the lack thereof—to the people of Zamboanga City.
“Olaso is desperately trying to play the victim because he knows he has nothing to show to the voters. He has 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 Drama
Dalipe called on Olaso to engage in a campaign based on issues, performance, and concrete plans, rather than resorting to finger-pointing and baseless accusations.
“Zamboanga City deserves a leader who works hard, delivers results, and puts the people first—not someone who disappears during important deliberations and then complains when there are no projects to show,” Dalipesaid.
He expressed confidence that voters will see through Olaso’s desperation and make the right choice based on 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
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