A powerful coalition of twenty major Philippine business organizations has issued a strong appeal to the country's lawmakers. They are demanding the swift passage of legislation that would establish a fully empowered and independent anti-corruption commission.
A Unified Call for Urgent Action
In a joint statement released on December 18, 2025, the groups called on the Senate to immediately pass the bill creating an Independent People’s Commission (IPC). Simultaneously, they pressed the House of Representatives to act on its counterpart measure, which proposes an Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption (ICAIC).
The business leaders also appealed directly to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to certify these critical measures as urgent. They cited the pressing need for stronger safeguards over public spending and the massive pipeline of government-led infrastructure projects, arguing that current systems are failing.
Why a New, Powerful Body is Needed
The coalition argued that existing anti-corruption mechanisms lack the necessary teeth to be effective. They specifically pointed out that the current Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) operates merely in an advisory role. It can recommend actions but cannot independently prosecute cases or enforce sanctions, rendering it limited in impact.
Under the proposed new laws, the IPC or ICAIC would be a game-changer. It would be granted full investigative and prosecutorial powers. This authority would include:
- Conducting comprehensive probes into alleged corruption in government projects.
- Filing both administrative and criminal cases against public officials and their private-sector partners.
- Recommending systemic legal and institutional reforms to prevent future misuse of funds.
"Our country urgently needs a far more empowered, broad-based, and truly independent anti-corruption body," the groups emphasized in their statement.
Protecting Trust and Economic Growth
The business leaders framed the issue as central to the nation's economic future. They warned that persistent corruption and weak accountability are eroding public trust in state institutions. This crisis of confidence, in turn, undermines the Philippines' ability to attract the long-term investment needed to sustain economic growth.
"A truly independent commission will guarantee transparency and accountability — no cover-ups, no political maneuvering," the statement asserted. They believe that stronger institutions are essential to protect public funds and reinforce the credibility of the country's investment climate.
The signatories to this influential appeal represent a broad swath of the Philippine economy. They include the Bankers Association of the Philippines, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, and the Federation of Philippine Industries. Several professional, women-led, and capital market organizations also joined the call.
This united front from the private sector signals growing pressure for deep structural reforms. The goal is to strengthen governance standards and reduce the corruption risks that threaten the Philippines' economic competitiveness on the global stage.
