Corruption is 'worst sin,' says Marcos as he renews vow to punish crooks

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday renewed his vow to hold accountable officials involved in the corruption scandal, noting that stealing public funds is the worst of all sins.

During a joint press conference with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Malacañang, Marcos reaffirmed the government’s fight against corruption, which he stressed limits what the government can provide for its people.

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“As serious as it can get, every government—not every government… Every entity, every business entity, every government feels the corrosive influence of corruption,” he responded when pressed by German media on how serious the fight against corruption in the Philippines is.

He said that those involved in corruption must be punished by law.

“Because what they have taken is not my money or your money or a company’s money. It’s the money from the people. And that is the worst sin of all as far as I’m concerned. It’s the worst form of corruption as far as I’m concerned,” Marcos said.

The president admitted that the anti-corruption drive cannot be carried out in a simple or painless manner but ensured that abusive practices will no longer be allowed.

“We have to find those who are found to be part of this system of corruption, that they will be punished, and that they will provide restitution to the Filipino people,” he said.

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During his fourth State of the Nation Address in July 2025, Marcos issued a stern warning to officials involved in corruption.

“Have some shame towards your fellow Filipinos,” he had said.

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READ: Clavano: Romualdez may have ‘functional control’ over flood budget panel

This pronouncement was followed by a massive crackdown on corruption, particularly in anomalous flood control projects.

Marcos’ cousin, former House Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, was not spared in the probe, as he is facing corruption allegations in connection with a multibillion-peso flood control kickback scheme. /apl

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