The Visayan Bloc issued a statement on Tuesday, Nov. 18, expressing its full support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and “the anti-corruption crusade that he began”.
The Visayan bloc, composed of representatives from the Visayas and headed by Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelaro Benetez, said in recent days the president has been the target of political attacks meant to distract the nation from the real work at hand.
“These attacks followed the President’s unprecedented and uncompromising campaign against corruption — a campaign that has opened inquiries, exposed systemic anomalies worth billions of pesos, and shaken long-entrenched networks of influence and abuse,” it said.
Senator Imee Marcos, at the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s anti-corruption rally at the Quirino Grandstand Monday evening, accused her brother, the president, and his wife Liza Araneta Marcos of illegal drug use.
Presidential son and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos denied his aunt’s accusation that his parents are illegal drug users,
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that the president is “clean” and would not dignify provocations by “destabilizers” and “obstructionists.”
The presidential sister’s remarks against him were “baseless” and were mere “noise” meant to destroy his image, Castro said.
When a president confronts corruption, resistance is inevitable, the Visayan bloc saetement said.
“And so is the duty of those who profess to serve the people: to stand firm, to stay focused, and to finish the work started by the president,” it added.
“The Visayan Bloc expresses its full support for President Marcos and, more importantly, for the anti-corruption crusade he began. Good governance is not a partisan project, it is a moral obligation”, it added.
“We stand with the President because we stand with every Filipino who deserves honesty, transparency, and accountability in public service,” it added.
The Visayan bloc urged colleagues in government, and fellow citizens, to reject distractions and political theatrics.
“Let us instead unite behind the reforms that strengthen our institutions, restore the people’s trust, and deliver real change,” it said.
The fight against corruption is bigger than any individual, administration, or party — and it is a fight we must see through, together, the bloc said.
The Visayan Bloc said it will always be a partner in this national effort.
“We remain committed to working with the President to ensure that this moment becomes a turning point in our country’s journey toward clean, accountable, and principled governance,” it added.*