MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. underscored the need for systemic reforms to make corruption increasingly difficult within government institutions, stressing that building stronger safeguards—not merely punishing offenders—is key to lasting change.
Speaking to reporters in Busan, South Korea, after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, Marcos said his administration is focused on tightening internal systems to prevent officials from exploiting loopholes.
“It’s something that you will never be able to say that we have removed corruption. There will always be — laging may loko diyan eh. Kahit anong gawin mo, hahanap ‘yan ng paraan para lokohin ang gobyerno,” the President said.
He explained that the government’s approach is to make corrupt practices harder to execute through improved oversight, transparency, and digitalized processes.
“But if the system is in place, you make it harder and harder for those people to do ‘yung mangurakot. The harder it becomes, the smaller the number of people still operating under corrupt practices. So, it’s an ongoing thing. It’s not something that you can solve with one fell swoop,” he added.
Marcos pointed to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as a key agency under reform after reports of overpriced materials prompted a review of cost structures. He said the department has since adjusted project costs to ensure accountability and transparency.
“We talked about the reduction in the prices of materials for DPWH. We’re also, at the same time, trying to find savings in that,” he said, commending DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon for “working very hard” to improve efficiency and eliminate unnecessary spending.
The President also expressed optimism that Congress will pass a “good [and] clean” 2026 national budget aligned with his administration’s push for honesty and efficiency in public service.
“We’re confident that the reforms we’re putting in place will make government more transparent, responsive, and corruption-resistant,” he said./PN
