The country’s biggest business and labor groups are calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to act decisively against corruption—warning that Filipinos’ patience is wearing thin.
In an emotional open letter, they urged the President to show “firm and fearless leadership” and confront what they called the “largest and most brazen corruption scandal” in the nation’s history.
The appeal came from the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Federation of Free Workers, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.
While they commended Marcos for his strong words during the State of the Nation Address, the groups expressed deep frustration over the lack of real results.
“Instead of hold departure orders, we get lookout bulletins.
Instead of criminal charges, we get promises.
Instead of open hearings, we get closed-door investigations.”
Their message to the President was clear: “So what now, Mr. President?”
Five Bold Steps to Restore Public Trust
The coalition laid out five major actions they believe could restore public confidence and show that this administration is serious about change:
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Create a special Sandiganbayan division dedicated to infrastructure-related corruption cases to ensure swift, fair trials — no matter how powerful the accused may be.
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Recover stolen public funds through asset freezing and restitution, especially those meant for flood control and infrastructure.
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Reform the national budget process to allow true multi-sectoral participation, ensuring it becomes the People’s Budget, not just the President’s.
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Hold regular dialogues with business and labor sectors to assess progress in the anti-corruption campaign and discuss real challenges in prosecution and asset recovery.
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Certify as urgent the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) bill, granting it full subpoena and contempt powers, and require public hearings and transparency in all its proceedings.
“The Filipino People Are No Longer Just Watching”
Citing a Pulse Asia survey showing that 97% of Filipinos believe corruption is widespread, the groups said this is a defining moment for Marcos’ leadership.
“Workers and employers have long carried the burden of building this country. That’s why we cannot stay silent while trillions are stolen from public funds,” they wrote.
They warned that if justice continues to be delayed—or worse, denied—people may begin losing faith in democratic institutions.
“A credible and vigorous anti-corruption campaign, within the rule of law, can strengthen democracy and restore hope. The Filipino people are no longer just watching.”
It’s now up to President Marcos to prove that his anti-corruption campaign is not just another political promise—but the start of true national renewal.
