President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged provincial governors to uphold integrity in public service and expose irregularities in both national and local government projects, particularly amid controversies surrounding flood control programs.
Speaking at the oath-taking of newly elected officials of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), Marcos reminded them that public funds must be used solely for the benefit of Filipinos.
“Kaya’t hinihikayat ko kayo: Paglingkuran natin nang buong katapatan ang sambayanan; tiyakin natin nasa wasto ang mga proyekto na ipinapatupad ng pambansang pamahalaan at ng lalawigan; at isiwalat natin kung may makikitang taliwas,” the President said.
His call comes after he revealed irregularities in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) flood control projects, which have prompted a full investigation. He earlier expressed outrage over “ghost” flood mitigation projects, warning that private contractors involved could be blacklisted and face economic sabotage charges.
“Ngayon, higit kailanman, kailangan ng bansang Pilipinas ang inyong pamumuno upang wakasan ang mga maling nakagisnan,” Marcos told the governors, adding that their leadership is crucial in ensuring transparency and accountability.
He urged them to act as the “conscience” of government, confronting critical challenges to secure a better future for Filipinos.
“Para sa mga bagong opisyal ng LPP: Magsisilbing gabay. Magsisilbing boses. At higit sa lahat, magsilbi kayong konsensya,” the President said.
“Sa paraang ito, maitatatag natin ang Bagong Pilipinas kung saan ang bawat Pilipino ay may pagkakataong umunlad, may seguridad sa kinabukasan, at may tiwala sa pamahalaan,” he added.
With reports from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
