President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged local government officials to actively combat corruption and help restore public confidence in government institutions.
Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) National Executive Board and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) National Executive Officers at Malacañang Palace, Marcos acknowledged the growing public frustration over reports of government irregularities.
“Marami ring hamon ang kinakaharap ng ating bansa. Lahat tayo dismayado sa mga ulat ng katiwalian na nakikita natin sa pamahalaan,” the President told local chief executives.
He emphasized that his administration remains committed to integrity and good governance.
“Ngunit, malinaw ang ating adhikain. Sa Bagong Pilipinas, walang puwang ang korapsyon at ang pandaraya,” Marcos said.
“We must take responsibility to eradicate this abhorrent culture of corruption that poisons public trust and robs us of a better future,” he added.
Drawing from his experience as former Governor of Ilocos Norte, the President said he understands the challenges of local governance but urged officials to remain steadfast in improving the lives of Filipinos.
“Let us continue to do the work that changes millions of lives. Be testaments that public service can still be honest and hopeful,” Marcos said.
The President recently ordered an intensified crackdown on corruption following revelations of alleged kickback schemes in multi-billion-peso flood control projects involving public officials and private contractors.
He also established the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate alleged irregularities in the implementation of flood control and related projects over the past decade and to recommend appropriate charges against those found responsible.