Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has appointed an ally to lead the nation’s independent anti-corruption watchdog, as his administration continues a clampdown on corruption in infrastructure projects.
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As ombudsman, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla was “expected to uphold transparency, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and ensure that justice is administered fairly and efficiently,” Marcos’ communications office said in a statement on Tuesday.
“There will be no sacred cows, no exemptions, and no excuses. Public office is a public trust, and those who betray it will be held accountable,” it said.
The position, which has a fixed term of seven years, has become particularly critical as Marcos seeks to crack down on what is looking to be widespread corruption in the state’s flood-control projects that has ignited street protests in the typhoon-prone nation.
Congressional inquiries on the corruption allegations have implicated some lawmakers, including Marcos’ cousin, former House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez, who, along with other legislators, has denied any wrongdoing.
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