Benitez says Marcos deserves support for corruption probe

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is the first Philippine leader to investigate corruption within his own administration, a move that demonstrates political will and deserves public support, Rep. Albee Benitez said Wednesday.

Benitez, who attended the opening of Terra Madre Asia and Pacific at the Capitol Lagoon, said the president’s decision to allow probes into his allies and officials is “unprecedented in magnitude” and reflects sincerity in addressing corruption.

“Wala pa na natabo. This is the only President investigating his own administration — his allies, his friends,” Benitez said.

“That shows a lot of character. If he is committed to eliminating corruption, then we should rally behind him.”

He said heightened public awareness of corruption stems from the president choosing transparency over political convenience.

“It is because of his doing. So why not support his move to investigate corrupt practices and find solutions to prevent them?” he said.

Benitez said 45 of about 50 Visayan Bloc lawmakers have reaffirmed their support for Marcos, strengthening the administration’s backing in the House of Representatives.

On Sen. Imee Marcos’ recent criticism of her brother, Benitez questioned her motives and said the matter should have been addressed privately.

“For her to do it publicly begs the question of her intent,” he said. “The manner she did it is detrimental to her brother.”

He also downplayed rumors of political unrest in the House, attributing them to loyalists of former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Benitez said he did not support Romualdez’s reelection bid due to issues he observed in the previous Congress.

Despite the political noise, he said the president’s anti-corruption drive distinguishes him from previous administrations.

“For whatever it’s worth, he is the only President who has done this — and without choosing whom it affects,” he said.

Earlier, the Benitez-led Visayan Bloc declared full support for Marcos, saying recent political attacks aim to derail the president’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign.

In a statement, the bloc praised Marcos’ “unprecedented and uncompromising” efforts to expose systemic anomalies worth billions of pesos and dismantle entrenched corruption networks.

“When a President confronts corruption at this scale, resistance is inevitable,” the group said, urging officials and the public to reject “distractions and political theatrics.”

The lawmakers said good governance is a “moral obligation” and that they stand with Marcos because they stand with Filipinos who deserve honesty and accountability in public service.

They pledged to continue working with the president to strengthen institutions, restore trust, and ensure reforms lead to lasting change.