President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday acknowledged the public’s growing outrage over alleged corruption in government flood control projects, saying he understands why citizens have taken to the streets to protest.
In a pres briefing at Malacañang, the President admitted that if he were not head of state, he might have joined the demonstrations himself.
“Do you blame them for going out into the streets?," Marcos said.
"If I wasn’t the president, I might be out in the streets with them. Of course, they are enraged. Of course, they are angry. I’m angry. We should all be angry because what’s happening is not right,” he added.
The statement comes amid mounting protests across the country following revelations of alleged irregularities in infrastructure projects, particularly flood control initiatives under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Marcos said the public’s grievances are valid, stressing that those involved in corruption should be held accountable.
“You make your feelings known to these people and make them answerable for the wrongdoings they have done," he said. "Ipaalam ninyo. Ipaalam ninyo ang sentiment. Ipaalam ninyo kung paano nila kayo sinaktan. Kung paano kayo ninakawan nitong mga ito. Ipaalam ninyo sa kanila. Sigawan ninyo. Lahat gawin ninyo, mag-demonstrate."
While encouraging Filipinos to express their anger, Marcos cautioned against violence.
“Just keep it peaceful. Kasi pagka hindi na peaceful, mahirap na yan. We will have to, the police will have to do their duty to maintain peace and order,” Marcos stressed.
The Chief Executive emphasized that the government is determined to address the issue.
He noted that the newly created Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) will spearhead efforts to investigate and pursue accountability.
"You have to remember, I brought this up. And it is my interest that we find a solution to what has become a very egregious problem," he stated.
“But to show that you are enraged, to show that you are angry, to show that you are disappointed, to show that you want justice, to show that you want fairness, what’s wrong with that?” the President asked.
Nationwide demonstrations have intensified in recent weeks, fueled by widespread allegations of corruption in public works projects. However, Marcos reiterated that transparency and justice must prevail.
