Marcos to ‘cleanse bureaucracy’ before APEC 2025

BUSAN, South Korea — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday vowed to “cleanse the bureaucracy” and enforce transparency across all government agencies, saying clean governance is key to building a fair and competitive economy as he departed for the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in South Korea.

Speaking before his flight to Busan, Marcos said his administration is determined to curb corruption by ensuring that public funds are spent with discipline and accountability.

“We continue to cleanse our bureaucracy of corruption because only a transparent government can build a fair economy,” he said.

“When funds are protected and spent to discipline, prices ease, opportunities grow, and communities thrive.”

Marcos cited the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) new pricing policy, which aligns project costs with real market rates and reduces inflated expenses by as much as 50 percent. He said the reform would ensure quality infrastructure while eliminating opportunities for corruption.

“The quality of what we build will not be compromised — the only thing weakened will be corruption,” he said.

The President said similar cost-adjustment measures will be adopted by other departments, including the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Transportation, among others.

“The savings we secure will go where it matters most — programs that uplift families, support livelihoods, and strengthen communities,” he added.

Marcos said a transparent and disciplined government is essential to maintaining investor confidence and ensuring that economic growth translates to real benefits for Filipinos.

“A government that honors public trust, a nation that stands firm on integrity — this is our promise and real change for Filipinos today and for generations to come,” Marcos said.

APEC agenda: digital inclusion and regional ties

The President left Manila for Gyeongju to attend the APEC summit from 31 October to 1 November upon the invitation of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. The summit, themed “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,” focuses on sustainable growth, digital transformation, and regional connectivity.

Marcos said he will highlight the Philippines’ digital transformation strategy during the APEC CEO Summit, emphasizing innovation, technology adoption, and inclusive access to digital and financial services.

He also plans to hold meetings with South Korean business leaders to attract investments and promote trade, while reaffirming the Philippines’ reliability as an economic partner in the Asia-Pacific.

Global developments

Marcos noted that the ongoing meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will influence discussions at APEC, saying any agreement between the two economic powers will have global ripple effects.

“The world is watching because this is the source of the largest shock that has entered the world trade system,” he said.“The agreements between the two largest economies will certainly affect every single citizen in the world.”

The President is also scheduled to meet with the Filipino community in Busan and to honor the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who fought in the Korean War through a wreath-laying and tree-planting ceremony at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery.