“How Can They Stomach That?”: Jasmine Curtis-Smith voices outrage over corruption allegations

• Jasmine Curtis-Smith voiced strong frustration and disappointment over allegations of corruption in flood control projects

• She highlighted the impact of misused funds on students and families lacking access to basic services during disasters

• The actress participated in the "Trillion Peso March" to protest government corruption

• Curtis-Smith's core question to corrupt officials was: "How can they stomach that?"

Acclaimed actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith has openly expressed profound dismay and anger over the escalating allegations of corruption plaguing the country, particularly those involving public funds earmarked for critical infrastructure like flood control projects.

Her passionate remarks underscore the frustration felt by many citizens regarding the misuse of government resources.

Appearing on the talk show “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on Friday, host Boy Abunda commended Curtis-Smith for being one of the celebrities who participated in the "Trillion Peso March" protest held on EDSA in September.

The demonstration aimed to publicly denounce the continuous issue of graft and corruption involving public money.

Curtis-Smith didn't hold back in conveying her strong emotions about the current situation, emphasizing that her deepest disappointment stems from the impact on vulnerable sectors of society, particularly students and low-income families.

“Sa tingin ko Tito Boy, bukod sa galit, I'm so sad,” she told Abunda. “I'm so sad kasi 'yung mga estudyante natin, 'yung mga pamilya na tuwing bagyo, walang proper access sa pag-aaral, sa daan na puwede nilang gamitin pangtawid papuntang eskuwelahan.”

The actress lamented that the basic needs of the populace—such as functional infrastructure to protect them from natural disasters and ensure access to essential services—are consistently compromised by the greed of a few.

She pointed out the cyclical nature of the problem, where promises for change are unmet, and the same issues surface annually.

“Galit na galit ako kasi these are basic things and we see it year after year. Pero walang bagong nangyayari, wala silang ginagawang changes and they keep on becoming even greedier year after year nakikita natin ‘yun. How selfish,” Curtis-Smith asserted, visibly exasperated.

She then posed the piercing question that resonated with the public's sentiment: “Nakaka-confuse paano nila nasisikmura ‘yun, Tito Boy?”

Fellow guest and actress Klea Pineda, who was present during the discussion, echoed Curtis-Smith's sentiments, acknowledging the universal public outrage.

“Of course. Siyempre… Sinong hindi magagalit sa ganu’n?” Pineda stated.

The issue of alleged corruption in flood control projects has been a dominant topic in national discourse, leading President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to form the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to investigate and prosecute those involved.

Curtis-Smith’s willingness to leverage her platform to speak on national issues of accountability and integrity has been widely praised, positioning her as a voice for social justice among her contemporaries.

Both Curtis-Smith and Pineda are currently promoting their joint project, the Cinemalaya 2025 entry "Open Endings," which also features Janella Salvador and OPM singer Leanne Mamonong.

Jasmine is the younger sister of Anne Curtis, a Filipino-Australian actress and television host. She gained prominence through various television roles, including appearances in Hiram, Maging Sino Ka Man, and Dyosa. Since 2009, she has been a mainstay host of ABS-CBN's noontime variety show, It's Showtime.

A couple of months ago, Jasmine's mom, Mommy Carmen, took to social media to greet the actress on her birthday. In one of her posts, Mommy Carmen also expressed her love and pride in Jasmine. The Kapuso star later shared sweet comments on the mother’s posts about her special day.

Previously, Jasmine also wrote a heartfelt birthday greeting for her sister, Anne Curtis. On Instagram, Jasmine shared gushed over her sister’s youthful appearance. Jasmine also lauded Anne’s growth and affectionately expressed how much she admires her Ate. In the comments section, the celebrity mom penned a sweet reply to her “sestra.”

Source: KAMI.com.gh