PCCI steps up pressure on gov’t to yield corruption probe results
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, is pressing the Marcos administration for more “decisive actions and decisions” to address the massive corruption hounding flood control and other key infrastructure projects.
“We feel that we need more,” said PCCI president Enunina Mangio, “We don’t want cover-ups. We don’t want railroading. We want really those responsible to be punished and to be identified.”
Mangio said on Monday on the sidelines of the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo in Pasay City that with the delivery of probe results that Filipinos are entitled to, there should be no need for more “drastic” measures such as the resignation of President Marcos.
“That’s why we are calling for his attention … We released that statement para hindi na tayo umabot doon (so that we don’t reach that point),” said Mangio.
Mangio was referring to a joint resolution issued by 34 business groups and associations over the weekend, urging the Marcos administration to immediately address the “historic, massive and unprecedented corruption scandal” affecting flood control and other infrastructure projects.
These groups—including PCCI, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., Employers Confederation of the Philippines, Makati Business Club and the Management Association of the Philippines—said that this crisis “has eroded public trust and now threatens national security.”
Among others, they urged President Marcos to give full legal authority and independence to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for conducting a swift and comprehensive investigation “free from political influence” and provide regular updates on its progress.
“We’re trying to prevent aggressive actions to take place,” Mangio said.
Mangio acknowledged Mr. Marcos’ resolve in uncovering the extent of the anomalies in government-funded projects and to bring those responsible to justice, noting he was the one who brought the matter to light.
However, the PCCI said the government should become more decisive in getting to the bottom of the problem.
“We in the business sector is looking forward to the day when our President will be able to really give us the results that we are expecting, prosecute those who are really involved in this corruption, whatever position they are holding in the country,” Mangio stressed.
Mangio also pushed for transparency and honesty by establishing an organization or agency to monitor budget allocation and its implementation.
