PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. urged officials on Monday to pursue deeper institutional cleansing and anchor governance on integrity, wisdom and discernment as the bureaucracy faces mounting public pressure over the flood control corruption scandal.
In a statement marking the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in the predominantly Catholic nation, Mr. Marcos said the celebration offers an opportunity for reflection on the life and example of the Virgin Mary.
He said her 鈥減urity, devotion and unwavering faith鈥 should inspire public leaders to ground their decisions in principle and purpose.
The President said the feast underscores the importance of beginning any mission with sound intentions and ethical grounding.
鈥淥ur intentions shape our outcomes,鈥 he said. 鈥淚f we sow pride, we reap division; if we sow deceit, we reap distrust.鈥
He said a nation built on 鈥渢ruth, humility and compassion for the least among us鈥 could advance the administration鈥檚 Bagong Pilipinas vision 鈥 one that prioritizes integrity, service and the common good. 鈥 Chloe Mari A. Hufana
