Dismayed PBBM to perpetrators: Why punish the good just to get rich?

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

In a teaser for the fourth episode of his podcast on Saturday night, Marcos said he is “very upset” at how some commit illegal acts at the expense of others. (PCO file photo)

MANILA – An upset and teary-eyed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. slammed the injustice that “good and hardworking Filipinos” are experiencing while some amass ill-gotten wealth.

In a teaser for the fourth episode of his podcast on Saturday night, Marcos said he is “very upset” at how some commit illegal acts at the expense of others.

“I see people having a hard time. And they don’t deserve it. Mabuti mga kung masamang tao ‘yan. Dapat parusahan. Hindi naman eh (It would be understandable if they were bad people. They should be punished. But they’re not),” he said in a teaser uploaded on his official Facebook page.

“Walang ginawa ‘yan kundi magtrabaho, kundi mahalin ang pamilya. Ba’t mo paparusahan? Para magpayaman ka (All they did was work and love their families. Why would you punish them? So, you can get rich)? That makes no sense to me,” he added.

Investigation into government projects, particularly the construction of flood mitigation structures, is underway following the discovery of alleged irregularities.

Alleged ghost flood control projects were also exposed amid the ongoing investigation and site inspections.

Marcos has ordered a “sweeping” review of the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways to ensure there are no double entries or unauthorized insertions.