Marcos wants strengthened open governance to gain public trust

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Wednesday highlighted the importance of transparency when it comes to all government programs and projects to weed out corruption.

Marcos, in his message during the Subaybayani Awards 2025, said that when government is transparent, the public will continue to trust it. 

He said that a government worthy of its people ''does not settle for mediocrity, does not cut corners, [and] does not waver.''

“So, let us prove that when the public has access to government processes, they become more empowered as our partners in promoting accountability,” Marcos said.

“This is why, and I say this with all my firm belief, we must further strengthen open and participative governance at all levels,” he said. 

Marcos led the Subaybayani Awards 2025, honoring the top-performing local government units (LGUs) nationwide. This recognition program honors outstanding LGUs that demonstrate excellence in participatory governance, citizen engagement and evidence-based monitoring of local infrastructure projects.

Marcos stressed that this year’s awardees – consisting of nine top performing LGUs, 126 exemplary LGUs, and three Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Offices (DILG ROs) – ''chose to perform their duties effectively, honestly and with consideration for their constituents.''

In partnership with Manila Water, this year’s awards focus on strengthening local infrastructure governance and community-led development, which supports national efforts to promote corruption-free governance. —RF, GMA Integrated News