Manila: Malaca±ang on Sunday emphasized the need for Filipinos to sustain their efforts against corruption, cautioning that ignoring the lessons from the multibillion-peso flood control scandal could enable corrupt practices to flourish.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, during a televised interview, highlighted the importance of continuing the fight against corruption, noting that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had begun addressing these illicit activities. Castro remarked, “He started this probably to awaken the people. But in this awakening, let us not forget. This must continue because this is what the President wants.”
Castro further explained the potential consequences if efforts were abandoned, stating, “Otherwise, if he did not begin this, those wealthy wrongdoers would still be thriving. The President initiated this to stop it — let us not forget that.”
The call to action comes as thousands participated in anti-corruption rallies nationwide, demanding accountability for irregularities in flood control projects highlighted by the President in his State of the Nation Address on July 28. Investigations are ongoing into accusations of ghost projects and inflated contracts linked to significant infrastructure spending, which critics argue have exacerbated flooding in multiple regions.
The scandal has sparked broader demands for systemic reform and clean governance. Castro stressed that the responsibility extends to the public, urging them to break the cycle of electing leaders who perpetuate corruption. She stated, “But as we have said, it is not only the President who can stop this. It is really the people. All of you. We have an obligation to choose the right leaders.”
She added, “Not the same ones again and again who remain in power. Voters are not learning. We must learn.”