Former Interior chief Benhur Abalos Jr., a senatorial candidate under the Alyansa Para sa Pagbabago 2025, vowed to strengthen the country’s anti-graft policies to bolster the Marcos administration’s bid to eliminate corruption.
Abalos issued the statement following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s remarks at the 5th State Conference on the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (Uncac) Implementation and Review in Malacañang.
“Corruption should be a thing of the past in Bagong Pilipinas,” Abalos said.
During the UNCAC conference, the President reiterated his administration’s resolve to fight corruption, acknowledging that systemic vulnerabilities and an evolving political climate have made the battle more challenging.
“The war against corruption is far from over,” Mr. Marcos said as he reaffirmed his government’s commitment to collaborate with the UN and its member states to uphold global anti-corruption standards.
Mr. Marcos underscored the importance of institutional reforms and efficient governance to address corruption’s corrosive effects on public trust and economic growth.
Abalos said it is time to address the persistent gaps in anti-corruption efforts, citing the need for stronger laws and more effective implementation.
He called for a revitalized focus on key laws such as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019), the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713), and the Ombudsman Act of 1989 (Republic Act No. 6770).
Abalos is likewise pushing for amendments in the Local Government Code of 1991.
“Transparency in government procurement is one of the best ways to prevent corruption,” Abalos said, citing his track record as Mandaluyong mayor where he prioritized ease of doing business and introduced technology-driven systems to reduce human intervention.
In 2010, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) recognized Abalos’ efforts in promoting business registration reforms thru the Regulatory Simplification Project. Mandaluyong City was also cited as role model for other Philippines cities.
Abalos said his campaign, rooted in the principle of “Tama at Tapat na Pagkilos,” is a pledge to uphold integrity in public service as he has always embodied in his 30 years in public service.
“By strengthening our anti-corruption laws, advancing transparency and promoting ‘tama at tapat na pagkilos’ among Filipinos, we can build a corrupt-free nation,” Abalos said.
