The Apostolic Nunciature to the Philippines, through Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown, commended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for exposing the flood control controversy last year, which led to the filing of charges against some officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and other erring government officials.

“The Diplomatic Corps wishes to take the opportunity to commend you for your State of the Nation Address last July 2025 and with your denunciation of those who seek to steal the future of Filipinos for corruption, especially in the area of public work projects,” Archbishop Brown said during the traditional Vin d’honneur at Malacañang Palace on Friday.

“Your government’s continuing commitment to eradicating the affliction of corruption has our complete support for all of us,” he added.

Archbishop Brown also praised Marcos Jr. for pushing the full embrace and utilization of artificial intelligence during the Philippines’ chairship of Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year.

“We have every hope that your ASEAN chairship, in your words, will promote the safe, ethical, responsible, equitable and sustainable adoption of AI in all areas, such as trade facilitation, digitalization, and innovation, will indeed enhance regional competitiveness, support micro, small and medium enterprises and unlock new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth,” Brown said.

Derived from the French term meaning “wine of honor,” the biannual Vin d’honneur is an official reception hosted by the President of the Philippines to mark the New Year and Philippine Independence Day.