MANILA, Philippines — Businessman and former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson on Monday, January 5, sharply criticized Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration for alleged widespread corruption, saying uniformed personnel are being insulted and manipulated. Speaking at Club Filipino in San Juan, Singson said the Armed Forces of the Philippines is being used to shield corrupt officials. “You are being given crumbs, while others take billions. That small staggered salary increase was not help—it was a distraction,” he said, warning that cash incentives to silence officials undermine the honor of the military. He said the scale of corruption has crippled the economy, citing a weak peso, skyrocketing food and fuel prices, high public debt, and stalled foreign investments. Singson called on General Romeo Brawner Jr. and other uniformed personnel to act decisively and defend the Filipino people. He also announced plans to visit Malacañang to challenge Marcos Jr. and former speaker Martin Romualdez to a public debate.