MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday night pledged to intensify his administration’s fight against corruption, likening the problem to a “cancer” that requires sweeping reforms, during the Malacañang media year-end fellowship.
Marcos acknowledged that the government’s anti-corruption measures have caused public disruption and hardship but said the reforms are necessary to dismantle long-entrenched irregular practices.
“The country is experiencing pain and anguish because of these reforms, but we must act to prevent the continuation of irregular activities,” he said, emphasizing that the campaign aims to restore integrity in public service and promote long-term national stability.
The President cited irregularities in flood control and infrastructure projects revealed in his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28. These anomalies prompted the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which recommended filing charges against several individuals. The Office of the Ombudsman has since lodged complaints, and the Anti-Money Laundering Council has frozen about P12 billion in assets linked to the scandal.
Marcos reaffirmed that his administration remains “firmly on track” with its reform agenda and expressed confidence that continuous government action will eventually strengthen governance and prevent future abuses.
Deportation Case Against Alleged Luxury Car Smuggler
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced on Thursday that it will initiate deportation proceedings against Chinese national Cao Cheng, 41, alleged to be involved in a luxury car smuggling scheme linked to contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the BI’s legal department is handling Cao’s case after receiving documentation from the Land Transportation Office showing that Cao used the alias “Martin Zhao” in official records, which authorities cited as evidence of misrepresentation.
Cao was arrested on November 27 in Makati City for alleged obstruction of prosecution, illegal use of an alias, and other violations. He is currently detained at the Special Operations Division of the Highway Patrol Group in Quezon City and will be transferred to the BI facility in Taguig City following inquest proceedings and medical examination.
Investigators suspect Cao is part of a syndicate involved in importing luxury vehicles without proper documentation. Customs authorities found that of 30 vehicles owned by the Discayas, eight entered the country without import entries and seven others had incomplete duty and tax payments, prompting further investigation.
The BI emphasized that foreign nationals are prohibited from using fictitious identities in official transactions and reiterated the government’s commitment to uphold customs and immigration laws.
