Manila: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) acting Secretary Dave Gomez has emphasized that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s anti-corruption campaign is gaining momentum, noting that the ‘wheels of justice are now turning.’ In an interview with One News’ The Big Story aired Tuesday night, Gomez said the Marcos administration is implementing reforms and promoting transparency to restore public and investor confidence, amid persistent corruption issues hounding the government.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gomez assured the public of Marcos’ commitment to pursue accountability and end the culture of corruption in government following the discovery of anomalous and non-existent flood control projects. He highlighted the President’s concern over the economic impact of these issues and the administration’s efforts to reassure both the public and investors that justice is being pursued.
Gomez noted that President Marcos is the only sitting president to expose irregularities within his own administration. The President has implemented decisive measures to curb corruption, including the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), tasked with investigating anomalies in flood control projects. Gomez acknowledged ongoing public concerns but emphasized the significant actions taken since the disclosure of the alleged irregularities.
Over 20,000 reports from the public on ghost or substandard flood control projects have been submitted through the ‘Sumbong sa Pangulo’ website launched by President Marcos. Licenses of the top 15 contractors involved in these projects have been revoked, and individuals such as couple Pacifico and Cezarah Discaya are under criminal investigation and facing tax evasion charges.
Furthermore, President Marcos has appointed a new Public Works Secretary and reshuffled the composition of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board. Gomez reiterated the President’s stance that no one will be spared from accountability, emphasizing that the President demands responsibility from all involved, regardless of connections or status.
Gomez also welcomed the results of the latest OCTA Research survey, which showed that 83 percent of respondents expressed support for President Marcos’ actions to expose anomalies in flood control projects. He reminded the public that it was the President himself who initiated the whistleblowing on this issue.