Marcos quizzed on corruption by global investors

SINGAPORE – Before a forum attended by global business leaders, President Marcos found himself quizzed on the corruption issues plaguing the Philippines, a problem that he said requires a change not just of systems but of a culture already in place even during the colonial period.

During the 24th Forbes Global CEO Conference here yesterday, Marcos was asked about the investigation into anomalous flood control projects and how he sees it playing out.

Marcos acknowledged that “the corrosive effect and influence of corruption has always reared its ugly head at every level.”

“I must say it’s not only in government but it’s in all sectors of society. And that’s why we have tried to initiate a change. It’s not just the systems although that’s part of it,” the President said in a one-on-one interview with Forbes Media chairman Steve Forbes.

“It is really changing the culture of the way people say that this operates. What was acceptable behavior before, we have to put into people’s minds, into people’s thinking that this is no longer acceptable. This cannot be done,” he said.

Laws against corruption exist, but addressing the issue is “a question of changing the way people think,” Marcos said.

“When people say, why do you think that this is so prevalent? And I think colonialism has something to do with it. When you are a second-class citizen for 300 plus years, you find ways to get around the law because you cannot succeed if you just follow the law. Now we have to change that,” he said. “And it’s not an easy job, but it is something we absolutely have to do.”

Marcos also met with FedEx Airline chief executive officer Richard Smith on the sidelines of the conference.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman has warned government workers against using fuel intended for government vehicles for private use.

The ombudsman issued the warning after Bohol Second District Provincial Board Member Vierna Mae Boniel-Maglasang was perpetually disqualified from holding public office and dismissed from service for reportedly using fuel allocated for a government vehicle to private motor vehicles. –  Daphne Galvez