Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Representative Leila de Lima on Sunday pressed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to deliver on his administration’s corruption exposé, cautioning him against becoming a “substandard firecracker.”
Her remarks came after Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson vowed to intensify his anti-corruption campaign in 2026 and expressed hope that Marcos would do the same.
“It is definitely expected of us, especially in government, to take a stronger stance against corruption and to ensure that the big fish or big fishes in this massive corruption scandal do not go unpunished, a promise of this administration that has yet to be fulfilled,” de Lima said.
She pointed to central figures in anomalous infrastructure projects and other hidden wealth scandals, saying they “aim to derail investigations and confuse the public, distracting us from the real issues.”
De Lima urged Marcos to certify as urgent key measures, including the creation of the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC), a genuine anti-political dynasty law, and the Anti-Illicit Enrichment and Anti-Illicit Transfer Law.
“Bagong Taon na. Gawin namang New Year’s resolution ng Pangulo na aksyunan agad at i-certify as urgent ang mahahalagang batas laban sa katiwalian. If not, he will also be among those whom the Filipino people will continue to hold accountable. No one is beyond accountability,” she said.
She added, “Pag ganyan nang ganyan ang Pangulo, para syang substandard na paputok. Nagpasabog pero supot.”
Marcos has previously voiced support for ICAIC and anti-political dynasty bills but has yet to certify them as urgent to fast-track their passage in Congress.