Thirty-four major business organizations have called on President Marcos to take urgent action against corruption, citing the fees and taxes they pay to operate in the Philippines.
The groups described the ongoing scandal as “historic, massive, and unprecedented,” urging the government to act swiftly and transparently.
In a press briefing on Monday, October 20, Palace Press Officer Usec. Atty. Claire Castro said the administration is actively responding to the concerns of the business community.
“Nagkaroon ng executive order no. 94 para ma-establish ang ICI para magkaroon ng mas malalimang pag-imbestiga sa mga maanomalyang flood control projects at infrastructure,” she said.
Castro noted that the Inter-Agency Committee on Infrastructure (ICI) has already made significant progress and continues to investigate pending cases.
“Maraming nagawa at marami pang iniimbestigahan [ang ICI]. Nararamdaman ng pangulo at ng administrasyon ang nararamdaman ng mga businessman kaya patuloy ang imbestigasyon, patuloy ang pagpapabilis ng aksyon para mapanagot ang dapat mapanagot,” Castro said.
The Palace official also urged the public to refrain from spreading false information about the ICI’s operations, noting that such restraint would help maintain the flow of the country’s economy.
“Hiling na lamang natin, doon sa mga obstructionists na gumagawa ng iba’t-ibang kwento para sirain ang integridad ng ICI, bawasan nila ‘to o hintuan na nila dahil hindi ito nakakatulong sa ekonomiya,” she added.
Castro also highlighted the effectiveness of the investigating group on its probe regarding anomalous flood control projects
“Sa ngayon maganda ang itinatakbo ng ICI at iginagalang ng mga witnesses o ‘yong mga pinapatawag, mga di umanong concerned parties, ginagalang nila ang ICI at tumutugon sila sa patawag.”
Asked whether the President is satisfied with the ICI, Castro said, “Kung may igaganda pa hindi naman ito sasarhan ng pinto ng pangulo pero sa ngayon, sa nakikita natin maganda ang itinatakbo ng pagimbestiga ng ICI.”
The resolution by the business groups underscores growing pressure on the government to strengthen anti-corruption measures and ensure accountability in major infrastructure projects.
