Malacañang on Friday said one of the lasting legacies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would be his push to investigate alleged irregularities in flood control projects, even beyond his term.
In a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the administration believes the public will remember Marcos for confronting corruption, particularly within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Unang una po, masasabi natin na ang Pangulo po ang nagpauna na makapagpa-imbestiga sa maanomalyang flood control projects,” she said.
Castro noted that it is uncommon for a sitting president to initiate probes that may include members of their own administration or political allies.
“Hindi po biro sa isang Pangulo sa panahon ng kaniyang administrasyon na hahamon na imbestigahan ang lahat pati na ang kaniyang administrasyon, at maaaring mga kaniyang kaalyado para maipakita sa tao na hindi dapat inaabuso ang pondo ng bayan,” she added.
She stressed that such actions are among those Filipinos are unlikely to forget.
“Isa lamang ito sa masasabi nating magandang ginawa ng Pangulo. Hindi na ito malilimutan ng mga kababayan natin,” Castro remarked.
Citing the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, Castro also pointed to what she described as the President’s swift response to its impact on Filipinos.
“Katulad po ngayon. Ang mabilis na paggalaw at pagkilos ng Pangulo sa panahon ng nangyayaring krisis dito sa Middle East,” she said.
Castro warned that these initiatives could be undermined if future leaders fail to sustain them, stressing the importance of continuity in governance and accountability efforts.
“Ito po ang masasayang kung ang pipiliin nating leader ay hindi maipagpapatuloy itong mga naging gawain ng Pangulo,” she cautioned.
She added that it would be regrettable if efforts to hold erring individuals accountable are abandoned.
“So nakakahinayang po talaga na baka mamayagpag muli ang mga hindi dapat na mamayagpag at makalimutan o panagutin ang mga dapat managot,” she said.
The Palace maintained that pursuing accountability and safeguarding public funds remain key priorities of the administration.