Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s aggressive push against corruption is key to protecting the country’s investment climate, even as massive anti-corruption protests rocked Metro Manila and other parts of the country over the weekend. Asked about reputational risks from the unrest, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said investors are drawn to leaders who confront corruption head-on.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized that investors prefer to invest in countries where leaders actively fight corruption and are willing to imprison corrupt individuals. She highlighted President Marcos’ unprecedented decision to investigate alleged anomalies in flood-control projects, even those occurring under his own administration.

Castro remarked, “No one else has dared to investigate their own administration. but the President boldly made public the possible misuse of public funds,” underscoring the President’s courage in addressing potential financial abuses. She further stressed that transparency and accountability will bolster investor confidence despite images of street clashes dominating global news.

“We believe all investors will admire the President more because he is fighting corruption,” Castro added. Despite the unrest, tens of thousands marched in Metro Manila and several provinces on Sunday to denounce corruption, particularly in the multibillion-dollar flood control projects. Violence erupted at Mendiola and Ayala Bridge as masked protesters clashed with police in an attempt to raid Malaca±ang Palace.

The President has created an independent body to probe the anomalies, which he first uncovered in his 2025 State of the Nation Address.