'No Merry Christmas' for the corrupt, says Marcos

Manila: There will be no "Merry Christmas" for the those involved in corruption.

So declared President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday as he issued a stern warning to public officials and contractors involved in corruption as the administration is under pressure to ramp up its crackdown on graft in government projects.

As Marcos answered questions from journalists at presidential palace (Malacañang), he shared the latest report on the investigation into the flood control mess.

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Speaking at a recent press conference, Marcos emphasised that criminal charges will soon be filed against individuals behind massive corruption scandals — particularly in flood control and infrastructure contracts.

He stressed that the government’s anti-corruption campaign will spare no one, saying: “Officials behind infrastructure corruption will go to jail before Christmas.”

At the same time, Marcos Jr. said public spending which was hampered by a corruption scandal will be ramped up.

“The public spending now will be increased to make sure that by the end of the year, the levels of public spending are according to our original plan,” Marcos said at a media briefing on Thursday.

Allegations that lawmakers, public works officials and contractors colluded to pocket government funds for flood defences have triggered the biggest protest under Marcos. 

Pubic pressure

This statement comes amid heightened public demand for action against those siphoning public funds intended for critical projects. ​

Amid revelations of billions in kickbacks related to "ghost" flood control projects, public protests against corruption isare planned on Friday, November 14 and November 30.

Business groups and labour federations have echoed the president’s call, urging authorities to fast-track investigations, freeze assets linked to corruption, and reform the budget process to ensure transparency and accountability.

Special division in graft court

Suggestions include creating a special division within the Sandiganbayan to handle infrastructure-related graft, and regular dialogues with civil society and the private sector to monitor progress. ​

Recent surveys show widespread public frustration, with up 97% of Filipinos perceiving government corruption as rampant.

Marcos acknowledged this sentiment.

He pledged that his administration’s efforts are aimed at restoring trust and delivering justice to citizens.

Marcos is under pressure to prove that the anti-corruption drive is not another soundbite for selective justice but the start of national renewal for true justice for our people.​

While legal proceedings are expected to start before year-end, Marcos warned those guilty of corruption: “For you, there will be no merry Christmas.”

This signals an assertive stance heading into the holiday season, as the administration faces growing pressure to deliver results on its anti-corruption promises.