President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed confidence that the Filipino people can still place their trust in government, saying his administration remains committed to correcting past wrongdoings despite the challenges.
Speaking at Malacañang during the awarding of the 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos, Marcos honored ten individuals from the military, police, and education sectors who, he said, embody the ideals of integrity and service.
“To that, I say: Look at these men and women. In their service, you will find your answer,” the President said when he asked whether Filipinos could still trust their government. “Because of them, we are reminded that hope is never lost, that integrity lives in our institutions, that honor still defines what it means to be a Filipino.”
Marcos described the ten awardees as role models for the kind of governance his administration strives for, calling every honest public servant “a victory against corruption and cynicism that plague our nation.”
Each of the honorees received ₱1 million, a Medallion of Excellence, and “The Flame” trophy as the program marked its 40th year.
Last month, the President created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to review all public infrastructure projects over the past decade, part of what he called the continuing “cleansing” of government ranks.
“Patuloy tayo sa paglilinis ng hanay ng pamahalaan upang matiyak na ang bawat opisyal, bawat lingkod-bayan ay karapat-dapat sa tiwalang ibinibigay sa kanila ng taumbayan,” Marcos said.
He admitted that the effort would not be easy. “Marami pa tayong haharapin, marami pa tayong pagdadaanan,” he noted. “It will be hard and sometimes it will be painful, but it will be worth it because what we are fighting for is a country that our children will inherit—a nation that they can be proud of.”
A recent Pulse Asia survey showed that 81 percent of Filipinos distrust the Department of Public Works and Highways amid corruption allegations linked to flood control projects, while 45 percent expressed distrust toward Marcos himself. However, 71 percent of respondents said they remain hopeful that those involved in corruption will be held accountable.
