MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized that corrupt individuals do not represent the government, underscoring that most public servants are hardworking and committed to genuine service amid ongoing investigations into irregularities in billion-peso flood control projects.
“The public should not paint everyone in government with the same brush as these corrupt operators,” Marcos said in his latest podcast, addressing concerns over officials accused of receiving kickbacks from infrastructure programs.
“These people are not the face of government,” he added. “All they are is the face of corruption. That’s all they are. They are not typical of government.”
The President earlier released a full list of flood control projects implemented under his administration, noting that more than ₱100 billion worth of contracts had been awarded to only a handful of contractors.
His surprise inspections reportedly revealed unfinished or substandard works, and in some cases, projects that were nowhere to be found.
“One of the reasons I exposed all of these is because these people are trying so hard… Most government workers would rather just do their work and serve that’s why they’re there,” Marcos said. “Government service is not easy. People are working hard and trying their best.”
He also highlighted the sacrifices made by many in public service. “There are government workers who are making serious sacrifices: time away from their family, money out of their own pocket,” he said.
“There are so many people in government who are very good, who are dedicated, who make sacrifices, who give everything they can to the service,” the President continued. “They do this constantly every single day.”
In response to the controversy surrounding questionable flood control projects, Marcos last month formed the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to audit public works carried out over the past decade. The body, however, has been criticized for its closed-door proceedings.
Marcos defended the commission’s independence, assuring the public that Malacañang would not interfere in its work./PN
