PBBM’s honesty on gov’t lapses earns praise from biz groups

Business and non-government organizations have appreciated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s admission of his administration’s shortcomings, relayed during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

In a statement, Victor Lim, president of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), commended President Marcos Jr. for the exceptional candor and forthright acknowledgment of governmental weaknesses, particularly his unequivocal condemnation of excessive political corruption, which resonates profoundly with the business community and the Filipino people.

“This corruption is not merely a moral failing; it is a primary driver of our country's entrenched poverty, deepens social inequities, and critically undermines our national economy. It manifests in perceived massive wastages, fuels perennial fiscal and budget deficits, and necessitates unsustainable borrowing, diverting resources desperately needed for genuine national development,” he said.

With this, the FFCCCII leader said they strongly endorse the President’s focus on bolstering essential social services and uplifting the quality of education as foundational pillars for inclusive progress.

Crucially, the FFCCCII offers its vigorous and unequivocal support for President Marcos’ specific commitment to combat the plague of corruption, particularly the scourge of "ghost projects."

“These phantom initiatives represent a direct and unconscionable theft from the Filipino people. We call for rigorous, systemic, periodic, and transparent audits and performance reviews across all government agencies and projects,” they said.

With this, the FFCCCII urgently calls upon the administration and the legislature to enact profound, systemic anti-corruption reforms.

“We need strengthened institutions, unimpeded transparency, robust accountability mechanisms, certainty of punishments, and unwavering enforcement of the rule of law. Only through such fundamental systemic reforms can we restore public trust, ensure efficient use of public funds, unlock sustainable economic growth, and genuinely uplift the lives of all Filipinos.”

Just cleaning the house

Meanwhile, Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya, People's Alliance for Democracy and Reforms, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement chairman emeritus Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia has called President Marcos Jr.’s SONA firm, honest, and long overdue.

"For once, we have a President who’s not pretending everything is okay. He’s facing the mess and cleaning it up," Goitia said, referring to the President’s candid remarks on corruption in government infrastructure projects, particularly in flood control.

Marcos admitted cartels are operating within the system and promised they would be dismantled.

"That was a powerful moment. Flood control has become a dirty business for far too long. The money meant to protect lives is being pocketed. The fact that the President called that out in front of the nation shows he’s serious about cleaning up," Goitia said.

He said the President’s speech reflected a clear sense of direction—no drama, no empty slogans, just work.

"He laid out what’s been done and what still needs fixing. He didn’t sugarcoat anything. He just told the truth," Goitia explained.

He also praised the administration’s progress in infrastructure, especially the continued rollout of Build Better More, and how people are now feeling the results.

"You can criticize all you want, but the airports, the trains, the roads, the terminals—those are real. They’re not drawings or press releases. That’s progress you can see," he added.

On foreign policy and national defense, Goitia stood by Marcos’ approach of working with allies while asserting the country’s sovereignty.

"This isn’t about being submissive. It’s about being strategic. We don’t have the luxury of time to stay neutral and reactive. Marcos is standing his ground, and that matters," he said.

Very impressive

Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) described Marcos Jr.’s SONA as one of the most compelling speeches in recent history, marked by strong support for enterprise growth, governance reform, and people-centered policies.

PCCI President, Consul Enunina Mangio, described the SONA as “very impressive” and “one of the best we’ve heard,” citing the President’s sincerity and direct messaging, particularly his firm stance against corruption.

"This time, it’s really different from previous SONAs. We feel the sincerity of the President. We fully support all the things that he said," Mangio stated.

Mangio praised the President’s repeated condemnation of corruption, especially in infrastructure and flood control projects, and his strong words: “Mahiya naman kayo,” directed at those who abuse public funds.

“That alone should make a big dent on those who profit from bogus projects,” she added.

PCCI also welcomed the President’s warning against including misaligned projects in the national budget and his vow to improve healthcare access through zero-balanced billing in public hospitals.

From a business standpoint, PCCI emphasized that the SONA sent a strong signal that local business development and attracting domestic and foreign investments are top priorities of the Marcos administration.

“The President identified enterprise growth and strategic investments as central to reducing poverty and hunger,” Mangio noted.