President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (left), Benhur Abalos (Facebook))

Former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Benhur Abalos is committed to strengthening the anti-corruption policies of the Marcos administration.

Abalos issued this statement following President Marcos’ remarks at the 5th State Conference on the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation and Review in Malacañang.

During the UNCAC event, Marcos reiterated his administration’s mission to fight corruption amid evolving political climates and systemic vulnerabilities.

“The war against corruption is far from over,” the President was quoted as saying.

Marcos said institutional reforms and efficient governance are necessary to address the corrosive effects of corruption on public trust and economic growth.

Abalos, a senatorial aspirant under the Alyansa Para sa Pagbabago 2025 slate, says it is time to address the persistent gaps in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.

With this, he is pushing for a revitalized focus on key laws, such as Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, RA No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and RA No. 6770 or the Ombudsman Act of 1989.

Abalos is also calling for amendments to the Local Government Code of 1991, as embodied in RA No. 7160.

“Transparency in government procurement is one of the best ways to prevent corruption,” the former DILG chief said.

Based on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, the Philippines slightly improved from its 116th ranking in 2022 to 115th the following year.

“While this small gain is welcome, it’s a stark reminder of the long road ahead to make the country corruption-free. We need to do more,” Abalos said.

Abalos noted that his senatorial campaign--rooted in the principle of “tama at tapat na pagkilos” (right and honest action)--was a pledge to uphold integrity in public service.

“By strengthening our anti-corruption laws, advancing transparency and promoting ‘tama at tapat na pagkilos' (right and honest action) among Filipinos, we can build a corrupt-free nation,” he added.