Philippines' Marcos vows anti-graft fight, targets cousin in corruption probe

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared in his State of the Nation address that he is "not the president of my family" but of the entire nation, emphasizing his commitment to fighting corruption. He opened his address by highlighting anti-graft achievements, including impending criminal charges against his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Marcos Jr. stated that the government is pursuing the flow of funds and accountability for a flood control project scam, vowing not to protect anyone involved. Several contractors, high-ranking officials, and lawmakers have been charged or arrested. The Ombudsman's office is preparing to file multiple criminal charges against Romualdez, whom it identified as a "central figure" in allegedly diverting funds meant for flood control projects for illicit purposes. Romualdez is expected to face charges related to money laundering and plunder.

"I am not the president of my family, nor of my friends. I am the president of the Philippines, and my responsibility is to face all the Filipino people," Marcos Jr. asserted, expressing his pain over the situation. The government has initially frozen assets worth 25 billion pesos (approximately $425 million) belonging to implicated contractors and officials. It has also recovered about 800 million pesos in illicit funds, which have been remitted to the national treasury for public infrastructure and social welfare programs.

The president had previously denounced the poor quality of some flood control projects and "ghost projects" during his last State of the Nation address following severe typhoon damage. Senate hearings revealed that at least 15 contractors had secured government flood control projects worth up to 200 billion pesos, with many projects unfunded despite funds being disbursed. Romualdez, once a close political ally of Marcos Jr., resigned as Speaker in September but denied involvement in corruption, stating his resignation would allow for an unimpeded investigation.

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I am not the president of my family, nor of my friends. I am the president of the Philippines, and my responsibility is to face all the Filipino people.