The Philippines’ leading business groups are urging President Marcos to take more decisive action in addressing the country’s corruption issues, as they expressed discontent over ongoing government-led investigations.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Enunina Mangio said the business sector is not yet satisfied with the administration’s response against corruption, particularly with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

“We feel that we need more. And we need decisive actions and decisions…to address these corruption problems,” Mangio said on the sidelines of the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo.

In a rare joint statement, a total of 34 business groups pushed Marcos to empower the ICI with full legal authority and independence to conduct a swift and comprehensive investigation into corruption allegations.

As established under Executive Order (EO) No. 94, the ICI was established to investigate irregularities and misuse of funds in flood control and other public infrastructure projects.

The ICI is currently authorized to conduct hearings, take testimony, and recommend the filing of appropriate criminal, civil, and administrative cases against those responsible.

As part of their appeal, Mangio said the fact-finding body should be allowed to conduct an investigation free from political influence.

This, she said, would pave the way for the prosecution of all those responsible without regard to rank, position, political affiliation, or personal relations.

“We, in the business sector, are looking forward to the day when our President will be able to really give us the result that we are expecting—prosecute those who are involved in this corruption, whatever position they are holding in the country,” said Mangio.

“We don't want cover-ups. We don't want railroading. We want those responsible to be punished and identified. And the only person that can really do that, by appointing those that are in it and in addressing it, is our president,” she added.

The business groups, in their statement, said the government should provide the public with regular updates on investigations to demonstrate genuine commitment and credibility.

To further restore confidence, the groups are asking Marcos to implement institutional reforms to prevent future abuse.

In particular, they said there must be a restitution of ill-gotten wealth and embezzled funds, alongside reforming procurement and oversight systems.

The business groups noted that they have contributed to national funds through the payment of taxes and fees, enabling them to conduct business in the country.

However, they pointed out that such funds amounting to trillions of pesos have been squandered through ghost projects, substandard work, and inflated contracts—financing that should have protected communities from disasters.

“This is more than financial loss—it is a fatal breach of public trust that leaves our people vulnerable and outraged,” the groups said.

Growing public outrage against corruption has ignited nationwide protests in recent weeks, with some groups even directly calling for Marcos’ resignation.

Sought for comment, Mangio said the business sector is not open to such calls, instead stressing that decisive action on the issues at hand is more critical.

“That's why we are calling his attention. We released that statement so we wouldn’t reach that point,” the official said. “We're trying to prevent aggressive actions from taking place.”

“We know that the President is working…but we feel that the way it is being investigated and being handled is not yet enough,” she continued.

The statement by business groups was signed by the Association of Abaca Pulp Manufacturers of the Philippines, Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry, Association of International Shipping Lines, Inc., Association of Petrochemical Manufacturers of the Philippines, Capital Markets Development Foundation, Inc., Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Federation of Philippine Industries, Financial Institute Executives of the Philippines, FinTech Alliance.Ph, Fintech Philippines Association, Good Governance Advocates of the Philippines, Institute of Corporate Directors, International Chamber of Commerce-Philippines, IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines, Justice Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, and the Management Association of the Philippines.

It was also signed by the Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Philippine Food Exporters Confederation, Philippine Franchise Association, Philippine Hotel Owners Association, Inc., Philippine Plastics Industry Association, Philippine Retailers Association, Philippine Steelmakers Association, Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association, Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika, Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines, Tax Management Association of the Philippines, Women’s Business Council Philippines, Filipina CEO Circle, and the Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines.