Manila, Philippines – September 15, 2025 – In a bold and resolute address, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared an unwavering commitment to rooting out corruption in the nation’s infrastructure projects, vowing that “no one will be spared” in an ongoing investigation into allegations of graft and mismanagement. Speaking at a public event in Manila, Marcos emphasized the critical need for transparency and accountability in the government’s ambitious infrastructure programs, which have been central to his administration’s economic agenda. The announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of large-scale public works projects, with allegations of inflated contracts, kickbacks, and substandard construction raising concerns among citizens and watchdog groups alike.
A Strong Stance Against Corruption
President Marcos, now in his third year in office, has made infrastructure development a cornerstone of his administration’s “Build Better More” program, an extension of the infrastructure-focused policies of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte. The initiative aims to modernize the Philippines’ transportation networks, energy systems, and public facilities to spur economic growth and improve living standards. However, recent reports of irregularities in the implementation of these projects have cast a shadow over the program’s progress, prompting Marcos to take a firm stand.
“No one will be spared, whether they are in government or the private sector,” Marcos declared during his speech, which was met with applause from attendees. “We will not tolerate corruption in any form, especially when it undermines the welfare of the Filipino people and the future of our nation.” His remarks signal a zero-tolerance policy for those involved in corrupt practices, regardless of their position or influence.
The president’s comments were delivered at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new highway project in Quezon City, a bustling metropolitan area in Metro Manila. The event, attended by local officials, business leaders, and community representatives, provided a symbolic backdrop for Marcos’ pledge to clean up the infrastructure sector. He stressed that the government’s investments in roads, bridges, airports, and other critical infrastructure are meant to uplift communities, create jobs, and drive economic progress, but these goals cannot be achieved if funds are siphoned off through corrupt practices.
The Scale of the Problem
Corruption in infrastructure projects is not a new issue in the Philippines, a country that has long grappled with systemic graft and bureaucratic inefficiencies. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, the Philippines ranked 115 out of 180 countries in 2024, reflecting ongoing challenges in combating corruption. Infrastructure projects, often involving multimillion-dollar contracts and complex public-private partnerships, are particularly vulnerable to misuse of funds, bid-rigging, and other forms of malfeasance.
The Marcos administration has allocated hundreds of billions of pesos to infrastructure development, with projects ranging from urban transit systems to rural irrigation networks. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the agency responsible for overseeing many of these initiatives, has been at the center of recent controversies. Reports have surfaced of contractors inflating project costs, using substandard materials, or failing to complete projects on time, resulting in significant delays and financial losses.
One high-profile case involves a flood control project in Metro Manila, where allegations emerged that funds were diverted to fictitious subcontractors, leaving critical drainage systems incomplete. The unfinished project exacerbated flooding in several low-lying areas during the 2024 typhoon season, drawing public outrage and calls for accountability. Similar concerns have been raised about road construction projects in the Visayas and Mindanao, where local officials have accused contractors of colluding with government insiders to secure lucrative deals.
Marcos acknowledged these issues in his speech, noting that the government has already launched investigations into several high-profile projects. “We are looking into every contract, every payment, every deliverable,” he said. “If there is evidence of wrongdoing, we will act swiftly and decisively.” The president also promised to strengthen oversight mechanisms to prevent future irregularities, including stricter vetting processes for contractors and enhanced monitoring of project implementation.
The Political Context
Marcos’ tough rhetoric on corruption comes at a politically sensitive time. With the 2025 midterm elections approaching, his administration faces pressure to deliver tangible results on its infrastructure promises while addressing public concerns about governance and accountability. Critics have pointed out that Marcos’ family has a controversial history, with his father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., accused of plundering billions of dollars during his 20-year rule. While Marcos Jr. has sought to distance himself from his father’s legacy, the association remains a point of contention for some Filipinos.
Opposition lawmakers and civil society groups have cautiously welcomed Marcos’ pledge to tackle corruption but have called for concrete actions to back up his words. “We’ve heard promises like this before,” said Ana Maria Cruz, a spokesperson for the anti-corruption watchdog Citizens’ Alliance for Transparency. “What we need now is transparency in the investigations, public access to findings, and real consequences for those found guilty.”
Some analysts suggest that Marcos’ focus on infrastructure corruption may also be an attempt to deflect criticism from other areas of his administration, such as economic challenges and foreign policy debates. The Philippines has faced rising inflation and unemployment in recent years, compounded by global economic headwinds. By emphasizing anti-corruption measures, Marcos may be seeking to bolster his public image as a reform-minded leader committed to the public good.
The Economic Stakes
The stakes of addressing infrastructure corruption are immense. The Philippines’ economy, one of the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia, relies heavily on infrastructure development to sustain its momentum. According to the Asian Development Bank, inadequate infrastructure has long been a bottleneck for the country’s growth, contributing to traffic congestion, power shortages, and inefficiencies in the movement of goods and services. The Marcos administration has set a target of achieving upper-middle-income status for the Philippines by 2030, a goal that hinges on the successful execution of its infrastructure agenda.
Corruption, however, threatens to undermine these ambitions. A 2023 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies estimated that graft in public works projects could cost the economy up to 10% of the total value of contracts annually, translating to billions of pesos in losses. These funds could otherwise be used to build more schools, hospitals, or roads, directly benefiting millions of Filipinos.
Moreover, corruption erodes public trust in government institutions, discouraging foreign investment and slowing economic progress. The Philippines has been working to attract foreign direct investment in sectors such as renewable energy, transportation, and telecommunications, but investors are often wary of bureaucratic red tape and the risk of corrupt practices. By taking a hardline stance on infrastructure corruption, Marcos aims to reassure both domestic and international stakeholders that his administration is serious about creating a transparent and business-friendly environment.
The Investigation Process
While Marcos did not provide specific details about the ongoing investigations, he indicated that multiple agencies are involved, including the Office of the Ombudsman, the Commission on Audit, and the Department of Justice. These bodies have been tasked with reviewing contracts, financial records, and project outcomes to identify irregularities. The president also hinted at the possibility of establishing a special task force to streamline the investigation process and ensure coordination among agencies.
The DPWH, which oversees a significant portion of the government’s infrastructure budget, has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigations. In a statement issued shortly after Marcos’ speech, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the department is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity. “We are reviewing our processes and working closely with oversight agencies to ensure that every peso spent on infrastructure delivers value to the Filipino people,” Bonoan said.
However, some observers have expressed skepticism about the government’s ability to conduct impartial investigations, given the complex web of political and business interests involved in infrastructure projects. Many contractors have ties to influential political families or powerful conglomerates, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. To address these concerns, Marcos has called for greater public participation in monitoring infrastructure projects, encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities through government hotlines and online platforms.
Broader Implications for Governance
Marcos’ anti-corruption drive has broader implications for governance in the Philippines, a country where public trust in institutions has often been eroded by scandals and mismanagement. By taking a high-profile stance on infrastructure corruption, the president is signaling his intent to prioritize accountability and good governance, key pillars of his administration’s platform.
However, the success of this initiative will depend on several factors. First, the investigations must be transparent and independent, free from political interference. Second, the government must ensure that those found guilty face meaningful consequences, whether through criminal prosecution, fines, or bans from future contracts. Third, systemic reforms are needed to address the root causes of corruption, such as weak procurement processes, inadequate oversight, and loopholes in project monitoring.
Civil society groups have also called for greater public access to information about infrastructure projects, including contract details, budgets, and progress reports. “The Filipino people have a right to know how their money is being spent,” said Cruz of Citizens’ Alliance for Transparency. “Transparency is the best defense against corruption.”
Regional and International Context
The Philippines is not alone in grappling with corruption in infrastructure development. Across Southeast Asia, countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand have faced similar challenges, with high-profile scandals involving public works projects. In Indonesia, for example, a major corruption case linked to a toll road project led to the conviction of several senior officials in 2023, prompting reforms in the country’s procurement system. The Philippines could draw lessons from these experiences as it seeks to strengthen its own anti-corruption measures.
On the international stage, Marcos’ pledge aligns with global efforts to combat corruption in public spending. Organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations have emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in infrastructure projects, particularly in developing countries where resources are limited. The Philippines, as a recipient of development aid and loans for infrastructure, faces pressure to demonstrate that funds are being used effectively and ethically.
Challenges Ahead
While Marcos’ commitment to tackling infrastructure corruption is commendable, significant challenges remain. Investigating and prosecuting corruption cases is a complex and time-consuming process, often hampered by bureaucratic delays and legal loopholes. Moreover, the political will to pursue high-profile cases may wane if powerful interests are implicated, potentially undermining public confidence in the process.
Another challenge is ensuring that anti-corruption efforts do not derail the government’s infrastructure agenda. Delays in project implementation, caused by investigations or stricter oversight, could slow economic growth and frustrate stakeholders. Marcos will need to strike a delicate balance between enforcing accountability and maintaining momentum on critical projects.
Public perception will also play a crucial role. Filipinos have grown weary of unfulfilled promises to combat corruption, and many will be watching closely to see if Marcos’ words translate into action. A successful anti-corruption campaign could bolster his administration’s credibility and pave the way for broader governance reforms. Conversely, failure to deliver results could fuel skepticism and weaken public support.
The Path Forward
As the Philippines moves forward with its infrastructure agenda, the Marcos administration has an opportunity to set a new standard for transparency and accountability. By prioritizing anti-corruption measures, the government can ensure that public funds are used effectively to deliver projects that benefit all Filipinos. This will require sustained political will, robust institutional reforms, and active engagement with citizens and civil society.
Marcos’ pledge to spare no one in the infrastructure corruption probe sends a powerful message, but the real test lies in implementation. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the administration can deliver on its promise to clean up the sector and restore public trust. For now, the president’s words have sparked hope among Filipinos who long for a government that prioritizes their needs over personal gain.
As investigations unfold and reforms take shape, the nation watches closely, hopeful that this time, the fight against corruption will yield lasting results. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with determination and accountability, the Philippines can build not only better infrastructure but also a stronger, more transparent system of governance.
