President Marcos unveiled a series of domestic reforms aimed at curbing corruption, improving fiscal fairness, and easing the cost of living — measures he said are necessary to strengthen the Philippines’ credibility as it prepares to assume the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairmanship next year.

“The strength of ASEAN depends on the individual strength and prosperity of its members,” Marcos said in his departure speech in Pasay City on Saturday, Oct. 25.

According to the President, his administration is working to make government “more responsive, accountable, and transparent” as part of efforts to ensure national integrity and economic resilience.

President Marcos said he ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to slash construction material costs by as much as 50 percent following an internal review that found several items, such as asphalt, steel bars, and cement, were overpriced by the same margin.

“In order to ensure that the costs of DPWH will reflect the costs of the market and to ensure that the people's money is correctly spent, I have directed the DPWH Secretary to bring down the cost of materials by as much as 50 percent,” he said.

He added that the directive could result in savings of P30-P45 billion — funds that may instead be used for “services such as health, education, and food that our people desperately need.”

Moreover, Marcos said the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will recalibrate its focus and hold accountable those involved in irregular flood control projects, ensuring that “all those found complicit” face consequences under the law.

He said compliant taxpayers, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), should not shoulder the burden caused by corruption in infrastructure spending.

“We are moving the focus from the MSMEs and from the auditing of large corporations. We are moving those efforts towards these questionable projects that we have been able to find,” he said.

The President added that the Department of Finance (DOF) has instructed the BIR to simplify and reduce creditable withholding tax rates to relieve taxpayers from excessive compliance requirements “without revenues to be forgone.”

The President said he has also approved proposals to raise the ceiling for tax-exempt de minimis benefits, including the uniform and clothing allowance for employees.

“As an example, the uniform and clothing allowance of more than P7,000 per year is subject to tax. Since the cost of clothing has risen, we are looking at increasing the de minimis ceiling to P8,000 a year,” he said.

“These changes are not just about numbers. They are about fairness and dignity in the workplace. Every Filipino worker deserves to benefit from the nation's growth,” he added.

In addition, Marcos said his administration continues to enforce the maximum suggested retail price for imported rice while ensuring access to the 20-peso rice program.

He said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is coordinating with manufacturers to monitor and temper prices, especially ahead of the holiday season.

“We hear our people's call for government interventions to lower the price of goods, especially food,” he said.

According to the Chief Executive, these efforts form part of his wider goal to build a “future-ready Philippines” and a government that can lead a “competitive, people-centered, and sustainable ASEAN.”