The country’s leading business groups commended President Marcos for his stance against corruption during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), while noting that his words must be backed by strong reforms.

In a statement, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) said Marcos’ acknowledgement of government shortcomings, particularly his condemnation of political corruption, resonates with the sentiments of the private sector.

“This corruption is not merely a moral failing; it is a primary driver of our country's entrenched poverty, deepens social inequities, and critically undermines our national economy,” said FFCCCII President Victor Lim.

During his SONA, Marcos called out corruption linked to flood control projects, where he alleged government officials and private contractors of committing schemes such as kickbacks to steal government funds.

He has swiftly directed government agencies to compile a list of projects completed or not, over the past three years, for public scrutiny.

In particular, he wants a thorough investigation into the so-called ghost projects, which refer to projects that are reported as completed or ongoing but do not actually exist.

Lim said these ghost projects are equal to an unconscionable theft from the Filipino people.

“The FFCCCII urgently calls upon the Administration and the Legislature to enact profound, systemic anti-corruption reforms,” Lim said.

“We need strengthened institutions, unimpeded transparency, robust accountability mechanisms, certainty of punishments and unwavering enforcement of the rule of law,” he added.

Lim said such reforms can help restore public trust and ensure that public funds are used to uplift the lives of every Filipino.

In a separate statement, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) described the SONA as “very impressive,” citing Marcos’ direct messaging against corruption.

"This time, it’s really different from previous SONAs. We feel the sincerity of the President. We fully support all the things that he said," said PCCI President Enunina Mangio.

Mangio said the President’s utterance of “mahiya naman kayo (you should be ashamed)” in his speech should make a “big dent on those who profit from bogus projects.”

Apart from this, however, she pointed out that the SONA failed to present the administration’s legislative agenda moving forward.

“We would have wanted to hear progress updates on the removal of regulatory barriers, the streamlining of business processes, and the modernization of government services,” said Mangio.

“These are major pain points for businesses,” she stressed.

The PCCI said that among the persistent issues of businesses is the seemingly unending red tape despite the Ease of Doing Business law, overlapping mandates of agencies, slow digitalization, and the high cost of regulatory compliance.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives Inc. (Coop Chamber) has called on government agencies and partner institutions to strengthen the roles of cooperatives to affirm Marcos’ agenda moving forward.

Coop Chamber Chairperson Noel Raboy said cooperatives are key to addressing key issues identified by the President in his speech, such as renewable energy, public transportation, water services, and agriculture.

“If we are serious about inclusive and sustainable development, we must strengthen our partnership with cooperatives, especially those operating in underserved areas,” said Raboy in a statement.

“This includes amending the Philippine Cooperative Code based on cooperatives values and principles, and institutionalizing the PUV Modernization Program with a humane and just transition to benefit transport cooperatives and their drivers,” he added.