September 1, 2025 | Manila
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday underscored the urgent need to confront corruption and abuse of authority, warning that such practices threaten the country’s future. His remarks came as the government ramped up its probe into questionable flood control projects across the country.
Speaking during the commemoration of National Heroes’ Day, the President stressed that nation-building requires more than fortifying defense systems. He noted that internal threats, particularly corruption, undermine national freedom and progress.
“Some among us choose personal gain over the welfare of the Filipino people. As time passes, new challenges emerge that we must face,” Marcos said in his speech.
He emphasized that dishonesty in government robs not only public funds but also the health, aspirations, and opportunities of future generations. Marcos urged Filipinos to remain vigilant and expose deceit, noting that tolerating even small acts of corruption slowly weakens society.
The President’s statement coincided with mounting concerns over allegedly anomalous infrastructure projects. Several flood mitigation initiatives were reported abandoned, incomplete, or never built despite being listed as finished.
During his inspection in Tuba, Benguet on Sunday, Marcos criticized rock shed and rock netting projects, calling them either overpriced or ineffective after they failed to shield communities from landslides during recent heavy rains.
Just last week, he expressed frustration over a ₱55-million flood control project in Baliuag, Bulacan, which government records showed as completed but was found to be non-existent.
Marcos reiterated that addressing corruption is as crucial as safeguarding the nation from external threats, saying accountability and integrity are essential to securing the country’s freedom and future.
