Business, civic groups demand end to corruption in public works

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

Thirty major business and civic organizations issued a joint statement on September 4, 2025, condemning what they described as “shameful, unabated, continuing and excessive acts of graft and corruption” in government public works and other projects.

The groups expressed outrage at legislators and officials in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), local government units (LGUs), and the Commission on Audit (COA), saying corruption in these institutions is “a crime against our people, especially those who continue to live in dire poverty.”

They called on government officials to stop what they described as treasonous acts that betray public trust and rob the nation’s citizens of resources meant for development.

“Part of the study should be how much money or funding do we need to protect this possible displacement of workers and even the livelihood of the community,” the statement read, stressing the need for accountability and recovery of stolen funds.

The organizations emphasized that successful governance requires punishing corrupt officials through independent investigations, prosecution, imprisonment, and asset recovery.

Their collective call to officials was clear: “Please stop! Maawa naman kayo sa mga naghihirap na taong bayan.”

The coalition outlined six action points, starting with helping identify whistleblowers who can expose those involved in corruption schemes.

They also urged citizens to support education campaigns against corruption to help voters discern and elect honest officials.

Other measures include gathering evidence against corrupt officials and their private sector accomplices so criminal and civil cases can be filed.

The statement called for blacklisting contractors and businessmen who collude with corrupt officials and refusing to do business with them.

It also encouraged companies and leaders to sign integrity pledges not to bribe politicians or government officials in exchange for projects or favors.

Finally, the groups pressed banks and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to strengthen efforts to trace and stop money laundering linked to unexplained wealth.

“Tama na! Sobra na! Tumigil na kayo!” the organizations declared in unison.

The statement was signed by 30 groups, including the Alliance of Women for Action towards Reform (AWARE), Cebu Business Club (CBC), Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands (CCPI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), and the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI).

Other signatories included the Justice Reform Initiative (JRI), Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines (SharePhil), and the Women’s Business Council Philippines (WBCP), among others.

The groups said their united stance aimed to push back against corruption in public works, which has long hampered economic growth and deepened inequality in the Philippines.