Firmly asserting that public duty takes absolute precedence over personal relationships and political allegiances, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa that his allegiance remains solely with the Filipino people as the government prepares additional criminal indictments against high-ranking figures involved in infrastructure anomalies.
“Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking pamilya. Hindi ako Pangulo ng aking kaibigan. Ako ay Pangulo ng Pilipinas at ang tungkulin ko ay sa inyo: ang aking mga kapwa Pilipino,”President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Addressing a joint session of Congress, President Marcos revealed that the Office of the Ombudsman is finalizing multiple criminal charges against the former House Speaker following an extensive, year-long investigation into widespread irregularities in flood control projects nationwide. Acknowledging the personal difficulty accompanying the move, the Chief Executive emphasized that his foremost obligation is to uphold the law and protect public resources.
“At dumating na tayo sa punto na ayon sa Ombudsman ay malapit na ang paghain ng patong-patong na kaso laban sa dating Speaker. Masakit man sa akin ito ngunit kailangan nating gawin ang tama,” the President noted.
Recalling his pledge from the previous year’s address to expose and dismantle systemic corruption in public works, President Marcos highlighted that the government’s thorough and impartial probe has yielded swift, concrete action. Prosecutions and detentions have already been executed across all levels, encompassing rogue contractors, senior government officials, and lawmakers.
“Gaya ng aking ipinangako sa inyo, nagsagawa tayo ng malawakan at malalimang imbestigasyon, na walang pagkiling kahit kanino man,” President Marcos stated. “Masusi nating sinuri, at sinundan kung saan tayo itinuro ng ebidensya. Lahat ng kailangang gawin ay ginawa natin upang matunton ang puno’t dulo.”
Alongside criminal prosecutions, the administration’s asset recovery campaign has secured nearly ₱25 billion in public funds and physical assets linked to corrupt infrastructure schemes. Over ₱800 million has already been recovered and directly remitted back to the National Treasury.
Crucially, aggressive oversight measures successfully halted the release of government funds earmarked for defective, fraudulent, and nonexistent “ghost” projects, effectively shielding public money from predatory contractors and corrupt officials. The Chief Executive assured the public that all remaining recovered funds will immediately be returned to state coffers.
President Marcos confirmed that the prosecution of these cases has been entrusted to the Office of the Ombudsman and the strengthened National Prosecution Service, expressing full confidence in the judicial system to dispense justice.
Beyond punitive measures, President Marcos outlined institutional reforms implemented to permanently safeguard public infrastructure spending:
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Citizens’ Whistleblower Empowerment: Public vigilance via the Isumbong sa Pangulo platform was commended as a vital catalyst in uncovering anomalies and guiding government anti-corruption actions.
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DPWH Organizational Reform: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has initiated complete internal restructuring, introducing highly qualified professionals, fresh graduates, and verified contract personnel to uphold integrity and competence.
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Market-Price Auditing & Comprehensive Review: Oversight has been expanded across all government infrastructure projects to ensure strict alignment with true market pricing, rigorous planning, and genuine necessity.
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Digital Public Oversight: Project monitoring and budget tracking have been integrated into the Transparency Portal and Integrity Chain, working hand-in-hand with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) as institutional partners.
“Bantay-sarado ang bawat proyekto at ang nakalaang pondo sa Transparency Portal, Integrity Chain, at katuwang na mga Civil Society Organization,” President Marcos concluded, reassuring the public that the wheels of justice are steadily moving forward.
