President Bongbong Marcos acknowledged the Philippines is undergoing a difficult time as his administration works to eliminate corruption, particularly in flood control projects, comparing the process to cancer treatment—painful but necessary.
Marcos explained the challenges the country is facing, stating, “When you have to excise a cancer out of such a complicated system, you need to do major surgery.” He added, “When you do that, you will bleed and that is what we have to go through.”
The president’s remarks come amid investigations into corruption in various government agencies, especially those involved in flood‑control projects. These actions have resulted in economic disruptions, including slower public spending, a dip in the stock market, and a weakening peso. However, Marcos reassured the public that the Philippines will recover quickly, saying, “We may be bleeding now, but we will also heal very quickly.”
In response to the scandal, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) was formed to investigate anomalies in anti-flood programs. As part of the inquiry, complaints have been filed against individuals such as former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, linked to the construction of overpriced and substandard flood control projects.
Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuing the fight against corruption, stating, “We will continue this campaign on corruption. We will continue our campaign on this abuse and this entitlement that has shocked everyone, myself included.”
Reflecting on the larger picture, Marcos expressed that the necessary reforms were difficult but ultimately essential for the nation’s progress. He said, “Once we go through this, we will be able to look back and say, ‘It was difficult, but it had to be done, and the suffering was worth it for the results.’”
