PBBM launches anti-graft initiatives

Based on reports from early February, the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is attempting to address the significant economic slowdown — described as the worst in decades — and a major corruption scandal involving flood control projects through several immediate actions, including signing a tightened 2026 national budget, launching anti-graft initiatives, and focusing on energy subsidies.

Here is what the administration has been doing to address these issues as of mid-February:

1. Tightening Budget Controls and Anti-Corruption Measures

a) 2026 Budget Approval: Marcos signed the P6.793-trillion 2026 national budget into law in January, specifically vetoing P92.5 billion in unprogrammed appropriations (previously called “backdoor” funds for corruption) to enforce fiscal discipline.

b) Infrastructure Cleanup: Following the scandal where billions of pesos for flood control were allegedly stolen, the government has canceled or suspended questionable projects, initiated investigations, and frozen hundreds of bank accounts.

c) Transparency Portal: The government introduced a transparency portal for public tracking of agency activities, procurement, and bidding to combat future graft.

2. Economic Recovery Actions (This Week/Recent Actions)

a) Energy Subsidy Expansion: On 14 February, Marcos announced that 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) beneficiaries will be automatically registered in the Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program (LRSP) to receive discounted electricity rates.

b) Directing Funds to LGUs: Due to the loss of confidence in the Department of Public Works and Highways following corruption allegations, the administration ordered that funds for building classrooms be funneled directly to local government units.

No less than Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon admitted the deplorable performance of the DPWH, which he said has so far completed only 22 classrooms out of 1,700 targeted for 2025. Latest reports said the actual classroom shortage is 165,000. If the government continues at its current construction pace, the shortage will increase to approximately 200,000 by 2028.

c) Rice Price Stabilization: Marcos assured that a “viable approach” is in place to keep rice prices at approximately P20 per kilo, aiming to ease the inflation burden on consumers.

d) Investment Promotion: The government is attempting to regain investor confidence by promising “a transparent and corruption-free government” while continuing to push for major infrastructure projects.

3. Directing Economic Teams

Economic Team Directive: Marcos directed his economic team to implement “true reform” to strengthen the economy, focusing on digitalization and fast-tracking remaining infrastructure projects to boost economic growth.

He underscored the need to overhaul outdated government policies and procedures that slow down transactions and burden the ordinary man, as the President pushes for digitalization and ease of doing business.

“Kailangan madaliin ang pamumuhay ng bawat Pilipino, dahil ang sistema ay kailangang nagdadala ng ginhawa para sa pang-tao, hindi sakit ng ulo (We must make life easier for every Filipino; the system needs to bring ease, not headaches),” the President said.

Despite these measures, the administration faces immense pressure to rebuild public trust following the massive corruption scandal, which has led investors to be cautious amid “domestic policy noise” and governance concerns.

Email: arturobesana2@gmail.com.