Marcos Vows Justice Against Corruption, Cites Cases Against Former Speaker

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared yesterday that he is not the president of his family or friends, revealing that criminal cases are being prepared against his own cousin, former Speaker Martin Romualdez. This assertion comes as his administration faces scrutiny over its anti-corruption drive. During the opening of his State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos recalled his promise from last year to expose irregularities in flood mitigation projects and hold those responsible accountable. "We have reached the point, according to the ombudsman, where piles of cases are about to be filed against the former speaker. Although it pains me, we have to do what is right," Marcos stated. "I am not the President of my family. I am not the President of my friends. I am the President of the Philippines and my duty is to you, my fellow Filipinos," he added, assuring the public that "the wheels of justice are turning." The President explained that the cases have been thoroughly examined and pursued based on the evidence. Romualdez, who was absent from the joint session, issued a statement denying any wrongdoing and expressing respect for the President's declaration, despite its personal difficulty. Marcos highlighted that contractors, high-ranking officials, and lawmakers have been charged and jailed as a result of the investigation into a multibillion-peso corruption scandal. This move addresses criticisms that his administration practices "selective justice" and that the anti-corruption crackdown has not ensnared "big fish." Marcos stated that his administration has stepped up reforms to prevent the release of funds to "defective, fake and imaginary" projects. He reported that assets worth nearly P25 billion linked to corruption have been frozen, with over P800 million already returned to the treasury. Recovered funds are being channeled into public welfare initiatives, including those mitigating the impact of the Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, Presidential sister Sen. Imee Marcos expressed puzzlement over the slow progress of cases against administration allies. "It is puzzling that cases against senators who oppose the administration are filed so quickly, while justice seems to move much more slowly when it comes to well-known allies of the government," she said, questioning if Romualdez alone was responsible for widespread corruption. Several incumbent lawmakers, mockingly referred to as "cong-tractors," are reportedly facing graft charges before the Sandiganbayan and are out on bail. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon disclosed that the department is over halfway through its documentation and validation of infrastructure fraud, with project reviews at 60 to 70 percent completion. He noted that building airtight cases for judicial scrutiny is time-consuming and also revealed plans to remove underperforming field officials and district engineers. Information Source: Philstar Nation