PHL’s anti-graft drive faces credibility crisis without convictions — analysts

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr’s anti-corruption drive on flood control project risks being dismissed as political theater unless it delivers prosecutions and convictions, political analysts said, as business groups pressed him to match rhetoric with accountability and reforms.

- By Chloe Mari A. Hufana and Adrian H. Halili Reporters

“Investigations alone are not enough torally the confidence and support ofany investors,” Gary D. Ador Dionisio, dean at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde’s School of Diplomacy and Governance, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“Tangible results are the real game-changer,” he added, noting that Mr. Marcos’ anti-graft campaign would not stand apart from past administrations unless Filipinos witness concrete outcomes — from the filing of major graft cases to the conviction and jailing of lawmakers, public works officials and private contractors involved in the scandal.

Recent protests have amplified calls for transparency, with business groups, investors and citizens demanding credible investigations, reforms in procurement and auditing systems and stronger safeguards against misuse of funds.

In July, the President launched a sweeping anti-graft campaign after a series of storms and monsoon rains exposed the country’s outdated flood control systems.

This brought several investigations, leadership changes in Congress and agencies and the creation of an independent body for infrastructure probes.

Mr. Ador Dionisio said credit should be given to Mr, Marcos for initiating, exposing and to some extent institutionalizing the crackdown on flood control corruption, even if the primary casualties of this anti-corruption drive are his own party mates and congressional allies.