Malacañang today affirmed the commitment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration to actively combat corruption and reinforce transparency and accountability within the bureaucracy, assuring the business community that their concerns are being addressed.
In a press briefing at the Palace, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro outlined the government’s ongoing initiatives to address corruption, emphasizing the administration’s drive to clean up government processes.
Among the key measures cited by Undersecretary Castro are:
- Launch of the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” (Report to the President) Website: A direct channel for the public to report corruption and grievances.
- Creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) under Executive Order No. 94: Established specifically to investigate anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects.
- Decisive Legal Actions: This includes the issuance of freeze orders on the assets of individuals implicated in corruption cases, the issuance of Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders (ILBOs), and the recommendation to file charges against former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.
Undersecretary Castro conveyed the administration’s resolve, stating, “The President and the administration understand the sentiments of the business community, which is why we are continuously investigating and expediting action to hold those who must be held accountable.”
The Palace official also made a clear appeal to those attempting to undermine the efforts: “We ask that obstructionists who create different stories to tarnish the integrity of the ICI lessen or stop this, as it does not help the economy.”
Addressing calls from major business organizations for stronger institutional mechanisms, Undersecretary Castro confirmed that President Marcos Jr. supports moves to legislate additional powers for the ICI, provided such enhancements ultimately benefit the public.
“It would certainly be better for the ICI to have more teeth and fangs. But for now, we see that the ICI is progressing well,” Castro concluded, signaling the government’s readiness to strengthen institutions for better governance and a more conducive business environment.
