Governors reaffirm support for President Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — Despite controversies surrounding the Marcos administration, Malacañang said support from local chief executives and major business groups remains firm.

During a meeting at the Palace on Thursday, the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), led by South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., presented its Nov. 18 general assembly resolution expressing “full support” for President Marcos and pledging “to protect the presidency from the adversaries of the Constitution, democracy and good governance.”

The LPP also urged its member-provinces and governors to “remain steadfast in promoting peace, stability and accountable governance, and to work closely with national authorities in safeguarding our institutions and upholding the Constitution, democracy and the rule of law.”

Marcos, in response, told governors that the administration has “much work to be done” and should not be distracted by political noise, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

The President also underscored the need for stronger collaboration between national and local governments to push development efforts forward.

Leaders of the Philippine business community have likewise reaffirmed their confidence in Marcos, stressing their commitment to support a competitive, resilient and inclusive economy.

In a joint Nov. 17 statement, the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Institute of Corporate Directors, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Philippine Finance Association committed to work with the national government to address public concerns.

“As business organizations, we reaffirm our commitment to responsible leadership, ethical practices and constructive engagement with government,” the statement read.

The League of Cities of the Philippines also reiterated its full backing for Marcos, in a Nov. 19 statement cited by the PCO.

The chief minister of the Bangsamoro region and its five provincial governors signed on Wednesday a manifesto expressing their continued support for President Marcos amid what they described as virtually unfounded corruption allegations against his administration.

Chief Minister Abdulrauf Macacua of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, affirmed that they do not doubt the President’s “commitment to serve the Filipino nation with all honesty and accountability.”

Citing Marcos’ creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the officials believe it is proof of his administration’s effort to address graft and the misuse of public funds in infrastructure projects over the past decade. — John Unson