Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto assured the public that the government’s response to the recent flood control controversy marks the beginning of a major cleanup aimed at strengthening institutions, improving governance, and accelerating economic growth.
At the Department of Finance’s 2026 budget briefing at the Senate today, Recto highlighted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s role in exposing the issue, stressing, “We will never turn a blind eye to corruption.”
Recto announced a series of reforms, including the creation of an Independent Commission for Infrastructure, enhanced transparency, digitized procurement, and tighter accountability mechanisms. He vowed that those responsible for corruption would be held accountable and face jail time.
The Finance Secretary also said the government is ramping up efforts to address Metro Manila’s flooding through stronger collaboration with LGUs and the private sector.
Recto noted the controversy revealed inefficiencies in capital spending but emphasized that reallocating funds to high-impact sectors—such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and digitalization—would lead to faster growth.
Despite recent challenges, Recto said the economy remains strong, with a 5.9 percent average growth rate under the Marcos administration—among the highest in the region. As of August 2025, employment hit a record 50.1 million, with wage and salary workers making up 64.4 percent of the total.
He concluded by reaffirming the DOF’s commitment to protect taxpayer money and ensure public funds are spent effectively and transparently.
