President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is backing renewed efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in government, Malacañang said Monday, responding to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s proposal for public officials to waive their bank secrecy rights.
At a Palace briefing, Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the President fully supports initiatives that promote good governance.
“Ang Pangulo po ay sang-ayon po at dapat lamang po nating ipatupad itong accountability and transparency sa gobyerno,” Castro stated, adding that no objection should be expected from Marcos on the matter.
Escudero recently filed a bill requiring all public servants—excluding honorary officials—to authorize the Office of the Ombudsman to examine their bank accounts and investments, both in local and foreign currencies. The proposed measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 1405 and RA 6426, laws that currently protect deposit secrecy in the country.
“This bill has languished for too long,” Escudero emphasized in his statement. “I’m hopeful that this time, we can turn the rhetoric of transparency into actionable policy.”
If passed, the legislation would mark a significant shift in the country’s anti-corruption campaign, signaling a firmer stance from both Congress and the executive branch to restore public confidence in government institutions.
