Federation of Filipino Industries (FPI) chairman Beth Lee expressed guarded optimism over the government’s efforts to curb corruption, citing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stronger stance and recent actions by key agencies.
Lee said at a pre-event briefing for the upcoming FPI Summit on Oct. 8, 2025 group members were concerned about corruption and that the president had been proactively addressing the problem.
“In the past, it was the media that carried out investigations. Now, it is the president himself who has taken the lead,” Lee said, adding that the shift shows “seriousness and political will at the highest level of government.”
Lee also noted that the appointment of new officials in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) boosted business confidence, particularly in addressing smuggling and ensuring construction materials meet proper standards.
“These moves really bring the level of confidence higher. But, of course, we still have to see the results,” she said.
Lee welcomed ongoing inquiries in the Senate and the House of Representatives, calling the synchronized response across branches of government “something we have not seen before.”
When asked to rate the government’s response, Lee said that while progress is visible, sustained reforms are needed to prevent backsliding.
“What matters now is that things are moving in the right direction,” she said.
