Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go said President Marcos’ decisive anti-corruption initiatives and ongoing governance reforms have strengthened investor confidence, turning a short-term challenge into an opportunity for long-term growth.

Go said the President’s “swift and serious” response to corruption issues — including the creation of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) — has reassured both local and foreign investors of the government’s determination to fix long-standing systemic problems.

“The swiftness and decisiveness of the President shows the resolve of the government to clean up corruption, which is good for the economy and builds confidence,” he said in a press briefing on Thursday, Oct. 9.

He said the reforms will lead to “more efficient spending” and the reallocation of funds to high-impact programs that generate jobs and economic growth.

Go dismissed what he described as “overblown negativity” surrounding recent controversies, saying that while challenges remain, the country’s fundamentals and reform measures remain strong.

“This investigation will be good for the country long-term because it will address and correct the wrong practices,” he said.

“Better deployment of the budget will result in projects with greater multiplier effect, bringing about better effects on the economy and jobs created,” he added.

Go noted that business sentiment remains “solid,” citing continued foreign interest and new investments despite short-term concerns.

“I think the business confidence is still solid,” he said.

“It will really help our country if we start moving on from this, focusing on the reform and the corrective measures that will address the issues we’ve uncovered,” he added.

He said the business community appreciates Marcos’ leadership in confronting corruption head-on.

“It’s not lost upon them that the President himself initiated this, and he’s very serious about fixing this long-standing problem,” Go said.

Go emphasized that the administration is focused on converting present challenges into reforms that strengthen the economy and public trust.

“By enhancing the effectiveness of public spending, we are turning a short-term challenge into an opportunity to reallocate funds to projects with a far greater growth and employment multiplier effect,” he said.

“This is the clearest signal that the Philippines is building a future-ready economy anchored on trust and sustainable growth,” he added.