President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has urged the public to work hand in hand with the government to end corruption, particularly in the wake of alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Malacañang on Saturday said the President shares the public’s frustration and is determined to hold accountable those behind questionable infrastructure deals.
“Nais din ng Pangulo na ang taumbayan ay makipagtulungan sa gobyerno para matigil na ang pag aabuso na ito,” Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said in a statement.
The appeal comes ahead of the September 21 protest actions calling out the alleged misuse of flood control funds.
According to Castro, Marcos has already ordered an extensive investigation into the anomalies. At the same time, she emphasized that the President respects the people’s right to assemble and express dissent, provided that demonstrations are conducted lawfully.
“Si Pangulong Marcos Jr. ay palaging rerespeto sa karapatang pantao,” Castro noted. “Naririnig at nararamdaman ng Pangulo ang pagkadismaya ng taumbayan at iyon ay kanyang nararamdaman rin.”
Malacañang also advised the public to be wary of individuals or groups who may attempt to exploit the issue to advance their personal or political agenda.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), recently created by Marcos, held its first hearing on Friday. Among those summoned was dismissed DPWH assistant engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez, one of the officials allegedly linked to the controversial projects.