NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Top Business Groups To Marcos: Act Now On DPWH Corruption Scandal, 'Public Trust Is At Risk'
Photo credit: PCO
In a rare united front, the country’s biggest business organizations have issued an urgent appeal to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., calling on him to take swift and decisive action against what they describe as a “historic, massive, and unprecedented corruption scandal” involving flood control and infrastructure projects.
In a joint statement published Monday, over 30 major business associations — including the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Makati Business Club (MBC), and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) — urged Malacañang to empower the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and ensure full transparency and accountability.
“Trillions of pesos meant to protect our communities from disasters have been squandered through ghost projects, substandard work, and inflated contracts,” the statement read.
“This is more than a financial loss — it is a fatal breach of public trust.”
The coalition of industry leaders stressed that rampant corruption has eroded investor confidence and undermined national security, with public funds being wasted instead of used for disaster resilience.
They called on President Marcos to:
• Empower the ICI with full authority and independence for a swift, apolitical probe;
• Prosecute all those involved, regardless of rank or connections;
• Recover ill-gotten wealth and strengthen oversight systems to prevent future abuses; and
• Provide public updates on investigations and reforms to restore credibility.
“We urge you to act decisively to show your genuine commitment to justice, integrity, and accountable governance,” the groups emphasized.
Among the signatories are top business networks such as FINEX, Philippine Exporters Confederation (PHILEXPORT), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Franchise Association, Philippine Retailers Association, and Women’s Business Council Philippines, among others.
The statement follows growing public outrage over alleged irregularities in multi-billion peso flood control projects linked to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
While the Palace earlier said there are no plans to abolish the DPWH, business leaders are making it clear — cleaning up the system is no longer optional.
In a joint statement published Monday, over 30 major business associations — including the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Makati Business Club (MBC), and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) — urged Malacañang to empower the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and ensure full transparency and accountability.
“Trillions of pesos meant to protect our communities from disasters have been squandered through ghost projects, substandard work, and inflated contracts,” the statement read.
“This is more than a financial loss — it is a fatal breach of public trust.”
The coalition of industry leaders stressed that rampant corruption has eroded investor confidence and undermined national security, with public funds being wasted instead of used for disaster resilience.
They called on President Marcos to:
• Empower the ICI with full authority and independence for a swift, apolitical probe;
• Prosecute all those involved, regardless of rank or connections;
• Recover ill-gotten wealth and strengthen oversight systems to prevent future abuses; and
• Provide public updates on investigations and reforms to restore credibility.
“We urge you to act decisively to show your genuine commitment to justice, integrity, and accountable governance,” the groups emphasized.
Among the signatories are top business networks such as FINEX, Philippine Exporters Confederation (PHILEXPORT), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Franchise Association, Philippine Retailers Association, and Women’s Business Council Philippines, among others.
The statement follows growing public outrage over alleged irregularities in multi-billion peso flood control projects linked to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
While the Palace earlier said there are no plans to abolish the DPWH, business leaders are making it clear — cleaning up the system is no longer optional.
Oct 20, 2025
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