MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. turned the commemoration of National Heroes’ Day into a pointed warning against corruption, branding it as the country’s “modern enemy” and vowing accountability for officials and contractors behind anomalous public works.
Speaking at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Monday, Marcos said the fight against corruption is a continuation of the struggle of Filipino heroes who gave their lives for freedom and justice.
“Hindi lamang salapi ang kanilang ninanakaw, kundi pati ang kalusugan, pangarap, at kinabukasan ng mga susunod na henerasyon na Pilipino,” he declared, underscoring that corruption robs not only funds but also the nation’s future.
The President stressed that tolerating graft and deceit would dishonor the sacrifices of past heroes and jeopardize the next generation.
“Pananagutin namin ang lahat ng sangkot sa anomalya at katiwalian. Ilalabas natin ang buo at pawang katotohanan. At titiyakin nating hindi na mauulit ang kawalan ng respeto at malasakit sa taumbayan,” Marcos said.
He also urged Filipinos to reject even “maliliit na panlilinlang,” warning that unchecked deceit slowly erodes society “bit by bit” until it becomes irreversible.
Marcos’ remarks came amid mounting criticism over questionable flood-control projects in Bulacan and Benguet, including works along Kennon Road that either worsened flooding or were left unfinished despite funding. He has repeatedly cautioned erring contractors and officials that they will be held accountable.
Earlier this month, the Palace launched the Sumbong sa Pangulo platform on August 11, a mechanism that allows the public to directly report anomalies in government infrastructure projects. Marcos has since led surprise inspections of multi-million peso projects in Luzon, underscoring his administration’s thrust for transparency./PN
