Tunis:President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the necessity of a cultural shift to eliminate corruption while speaking at the 24th Forbes Global CEO Conference. During his address, Marcos acknowledged the persistent 'corrosive effect and influence' of corruption, noting its presence at every level.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos attributed the prevalence of corruption partly to the legacy of colonialism, suggesting that it conditioned people to circumvent laws to succeed. He stressed the importance of changing cultural attitudes that previously tolerated corrupt practices, asserting that such behaviors are now unacceptable.

Marcos' remarks were made in response to inquiries about investigations into irregular flood control projects. He pointed out that corruption extends beyond the government and permeates all sectors of society, driven by individuals determined to exploit new methods for financial gain.

He highlighted the ongoing efforts to foster change, indicating that while systems improvements are crucial, altering people's mindsets poses a more significant challenge. Marcos reiterated that anti-corruption laws exist, but changing societal attitudes remains essential to effectively addressing the issue.

Acknowledging the difficulty of initiating a cultural transformation, Marcos concluded that it is a necessary endeavor to combat corruption effectively.