Ramon Ang quashes talks of political role as Marcos admin faces turmoil
MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Corp. President and CEO Ramon Ang has dismissed speculation that he might enter politics amid calls to unseat President Bongbong Marcos, as the administration grapples with political instability linked to the ongoing flood control corruption scandal.
"I am not entering politics," Ang said in a Facebook post on Thursday, November 20.
The tycoon’s post came shortly after Politiko reported that several businessmen were considering Ang as a "stabilizing force" while the economy suffers from debilitating corruption issues that have been left unaddressed for decades.
Ang said he believes resolving corruption and stopping the proliferation of substandard projects "will never depend on one individual," stressing that addressing such systemic issues requires cooperation between the government, the private sector and the public to calm investors and restore order.
"Most people know me as someone who works quietly in business, building projects, fixing what I can, and supporting government and communities. That is where I believe I can contribute the most, and that is where I intend to stay," he said.
He added that his current focus is to support the government's efforts by being a "dependable partner in building the country."
Marcos has since become one of the faces of corruption allegations, from purportedly instructing a P100-billion budget insertion to tolerating the kickback scheme benefitting lawmakers.
Since he called for a full-blown investigation in his fourth address to the nation, massive anti-corruption protests have yielded some groups calling for his resignation.
Even a small group of retired generals attempted to convince the Armed Forces of the Philippines to stage a military coup, but six military commanders have promised non-partisanship and not to intervene.
Malacañang also said Marcos will not resign, even as his Cabinet undergoes leadership changes, with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman stepping down after being implicated in facilitating the misappropriation of funds.
In recent months, Ang’s involvement has largely focused on offering to help local governments in Metro Manila address flooding at no cost to the government, by constructing drainage systems and conducting clearing operations.
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