MANILA, Oct. 21 -- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday vowed to press on with his administration's campaign to rid the government of corruption, saying the process "will be hard and sometimes painful" but necessary to rebuild public trust.

Speaking at the awarding of the 2025 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos in Malacanang, Marcos said the honorees - teachers, soldiers, and police officers - embodied integrity and service amid eroding confidence in public institutions.

"Bawat tapat na guro, sundalo, at pulis ay isang tagumpay laban sa katiwalian (Every honest teacher, soldier, and police officer is a victory against corruption)," the President said.

"Patuloy tayo sa paglilinis ng hanay ng pamahalaan upang matiyak na ang ...