Business groups urge Marcos to act on ‘unprecedented’ graft in infrastructure

Thirty-four major industry associations, representing a broad spectrum of businesses, have issued a joint resolution appealing to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take swift and decisive action against what they described as “historic, massive and unprecedented corruption” in flood control and infrastructure projects.

The organizations, which include the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Makati Business Club (MBC) and Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), called on the President to restore public trust and protect national security by immediately addressing reports of ghost projects, substandard works and inflated contracts.

“Trillions of pesos supplied and intended to protect our communities from disasters have been squandered. This is more than financial loss. It is a fatal breach of public trust that leaves our people vulnerable and outraged,” the groups said in a joint statement.

The business organizations urged the President to empower the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) with full legal authority and independence to conduct a comprehensive investigation free from political influence.

They also pressed for the prosecution of those found responsible “without regard for rank, position, political affiliation, or personal relations,” and the recovery of embezzled public funds.

The resolution proposed strengthening institutional reforms by improving procurement and oversight systems and regularly disclosing audit findings to demonstrate the government’s commitment to integrity and accountability.

“We strongly urge you to act decisively to signal your administration’s genuine commitment to justice, integrity, and accountable governance,” the joint statement said.