Manila: League of Provinces of the Philippines national president and South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. on Sunday joined calls to end the ‘systemic’ corruption in government, especially in infrastructure projects. Tamayo said the people, especially the youth, are aware of the situation and are right in venting out their frustration and anger over the decades-old problem of corruption, which he said has hampered the delivery of proper public services.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tamayo, as the president of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, expressed solidarity with the protests against corruption. In a video message, he stated the urgency to end corrupt practices that have detrimental effects on both current and future generations. Despite his close alliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his role as national president of the ruling Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, Tamayo revealed that the province had not requested or received any substantial project funding during the first three years of the current administration.

Tamayo highlighted the issue of alleged kickbacks, stating that he and provincial officials could not accept the practice of giving up 20 to 30 percent of a project’s cost. He confided this matter to the President following the May elections and expressed surprise when President Marcos addressed these concerns during the State-of-the-Nation Address, particularly the anomalies in flood control projects.

The governor reaffirmed his support for the President’s efforts to combat corruption, including the extensive investigations into irregularities in flood control and related projects. President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 94 on September 11, establishing the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to probe and recommend charges against those involved in anomalies within the Department of Public Works and Highways.