Investors’ confidence improving as gov’t runs after erring execs

By Joann Villanueva, Philippine News Agency

In a briefing in Taguig City, Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) chairperson Elizabeth Lee said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to name Secretary Vince Dizon to head the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno to lead the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is gaining ground. (PNA file photo by Joan Bondoc)

MANILA – Officials of an industry group on Thursday expressed optimism on government measures to address corruption, citing the ongoing investigations against individuals and firms involved in anomalous flood control projects.

In a briefing in Taguig City, Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) chairperson Elizabeth Lee said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to name Secretary Vince Dizon to head the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno to lead the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is gaining ground.

She said the ongoing investigation and measures to run after erring government officials and private individuals as well as the move to check on their luxury vehicles are connected.

“That, actually, is a very strong signal for the business community to say, may nangyayari, at may mangyayari (there is something going on and something good will happen),“ she said.

For the issue on smuggling alone, she said this hurts local manufacturers and any measure to address it will help the industry sector “not just survive but to thrive.”

FPI chairperson emeritus Jesus Arranza, during the same briefing, said industry stakeholders have been coordinating with the government to address these issues.

“But unfortunately, they don’t reciprocate the same way as we have been doing. Pero ngayon, nagbago na ang simoy ng hangin. Siguro gaganda naman (But now, the breeze has changed. It might get better),” he said.

To address anomalies, the group raised the need to institutionalize processes for BOC and DPWH that include limiting “bad actors” since “institutionalizing robust processes is essential.”

“This involves embedding transparent, standardized workflows and accountability mechanisms into daily operations to reduce opportunities for corruption or inefficiency,” it said.

Other proposed measures include digital automation, regular audits, whistleblower protections, creating of secure channels for reporting misconduct, ensuring anonymity and protection for whistleblowers; and training and awareness.

“These measures can foster a culture of accountability and transparency, reducing the influence of bad actors,” the group said in a statement.